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Oral colonization by gram-negative bacilli in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors compared with
Karla E Santibañez-Bedolla1,2, Maria J Orozco-Uriarte2, Jose A Alvarez-Canales1,2
1Bajio Regional High Specialty Hospital, San Carlos La Roncha C.P. 37544, Leon Guanajuato, Mexico.
BMC Oral Health
|July 8, 2023
Summary
Patients with hematologic malignancies have higher rates of oral gram-negative bacilli (GNB) colonization, increasing infectious complications. Frequent dental visits act as a protective factor against this colonization.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Oropharyngeal colonization with gram-negative bacilli (GNB) is a known negative prognostic indicator in immunocompromised patients.
- Hemato-oncologic patients are particularly vulnerable due to their compromised immune systems and intensive treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of oral GNB colonization in hemato-oncologic patients compared to healthy individuals.
- To identify factors associated with GNB colonization and antimicrobial resistance in this patient group.
- To assess the clinical outcomes, specifically infectious complications, related to GNB colonization.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 103 hemato-oncologic patients and 103 healthy subjects.
- Collection of oral swabs for GNB identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Analysis of factors associated with colonization, including Charlson index and dental visit frequency.
Main Results:
- Hemato-oncologic patients exhibited significantly higher rates of oral GNB colonization (34% vs. 17%) and colonization with resistant GNB (11.6% vs. 0%).
- A higher Charlson index (≥3) was linked to increased colonization, while ≥3 dental visits/year showed a protective effect.
- Colonized hemato-oncologic patients experienced more frequent 30-day infectious complications (30.5% vs. 2.9%).
Conclusions:
- Oral colonization by GNB and resistant GNB is common in cancer patients, correlating with disease severity.
- Infectious complications are more prevalent in GNB-colonized patients.
- Promoting regular dental hygiene and frequent dental visits may serve as a protective strategy against GNB colonization in hemato-oncologic patients.
