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Oral infections and septicemia in immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies

O J Bergmann1

  • 1University Department of Medicine and Hematology, Aarhus County Hospital, Denmark.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|October 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Oral infections may play a role in septicemia for immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies. Addressing oral health could potentially decrease illness and death in these vulnerable individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology
  • Oral Medicine

Background:

  • Immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies are susceptible to infections.
  • Septicemic episodes pose a significant risk in this patient population.
  • The role of oral infections in septicemia requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the role of oral infections in septicemic episodes among immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies.
  • To investigate the relationship between oral microflora and septicemia.
  • To determine the prevalence of oral foci in septicemic cases.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective monitoring of 78 febrile episodes in 46 patients.
  • Daily clinical and microbiological investigations.
  • Analysis of oral microflora composition and presence of oral infections.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in oral microflora or acute oral infections on day 1 between septicemic and non-septicemic febrile episodes.
  • Increased prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in oral sites on days 10-12 during septicemic episodes.
  • Probable oral focus identified in 10.5% of septicemia cases; probable or possible oral origin in 31.6%.

Conclusions:

  • Oral infections may contribute to septicemia in immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies.
  • The oral cavity can be a source of pathogens leading to septicemia.
  • Prevention and management of oral infections may reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.

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