Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: September 9, 2015
[Cerebral abscesses of oral origin]
J Limeres-Posse1, I Tomás-Carmona, J Fernández-Feijoo
1Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela.
Introduction:
It has been suggested that between 3% and 13% of the cerebral abscesses (CA) are presumably associated to oral infections or dental procedures.
Aim:
Determine the prevalence of CA of oral origin, discussing their clinical and microbiological characteristics.
Patients And Methods:
Retrospectively, 54 cases of CA diagnosed in 3 hospitals of Galicia between 2001 and 2002 were reviewed.
Results:
A presumed oral portal of entry was recorded in 6 patients (11.1%); 4 cases were associated to oral infections and the remaining 2 had received dental treatment in the months prior to the onset of symptoms. Half of the patients showed irrelevant medical record, 2 had had previous extracranial abscesses and 1 presented a type A immunoglobulin deficiency. In 4 cases, the microbiological analysis was positive and typical oral bacteria (Streptococcus viridans and Peptostreptococcus spp.) were identified.
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that a significant number of CA are probably of oral origin. In consequence, to maintain a good oral health status is important and specific prophylactic measures before any dental procedure should be applied, especially in patients with risk recognized factors.
Related Concept Videos
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

