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Bacterial infections complicating tongue piercing
Catherine Hy Yu1, Brian J Minnema, Wayne L Gold
1St Michael's Hospital;
Summary
Tongue piercing can lead to serious bacterial infections, including rare but life-threatening conditions like endocarditis. Awareness and standardized infection control are crucial for preventing complications from this body art.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tongue piercing is a popular body art practice with potential health risks.
- Bacterial infections, ranging from localized to systemic, can arise from tongue piercing procedures.
Observation:
- A case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Gemella species in a patient with a pierced tongue is presented.
- Eighteen additional cases of bacterial infections associated with tongue piercing were reviewed.
- Infections included oral/head/neck sites (abscesses, Ludwig's angina, tetanus) and distal sites (endocarditis, chorioamnionitis, cerebellar abscess).
Findings:
- Oropharyngeal flora were identified as the source of infections in all reported cases.
- While rare, tongue piercing is associated with potentially life-threatening bacterial infections.
- The spectrum of infections highlights the risk of both local and distant complications.
Implications:
- Increased awareness among piercers and clients regarding potential infectious complications is necessary.
- Standardized infection prevention and control practices are essential for piercers to mitigate risks.
- This review underscores the importance of vigilance for healthcare professionals managing patients with tongue piercings.
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