UNITED KINGDOM: A new research conducted at the University of Plymouth looks into the possibility of there being a link between oral bacteria and brain abscesses
Researchers analysed 87 records of patients admitted to hospitals with brain abscesses. The results showed that out of these 87 patients, 52 of them, for whom there was no known cause for the brain abscess diagnosis, were three times as likely to have oral bacteria in their samples.
This research was published in the Journal of Dentistry.
These 52 patients had substantially high amounts of a bacteria called Streptococcus anginosus, which is known to be associated with pharyngitis, bacteremia, and infections in the internal organs such as the brain, lung, and liver. This bacteria is also often found in dental abscesses.
Dr Holly Roy, a Clinical Lecturer of Neurosurgery based at the University of Plymouth said regarding the research
"While many potential causes of brain abscesses are recognised, the origin of infection often remains clinically unidentified. However, it was still surprising to frequently find orally occurring bacteria in brain abscesses of unexplained origin. It highlights the importance of using more sensitive techniques to assess the oral cavity as a potential bacterial source in brain abscess patients. It also highlights the importance of improving dental care and oral hygiene more generally."
