Bacteria known to cause oral infections may contribute to the development of life-threatening brain abscesses, according to a study.
If the link between oral health and overall health is already known, a new study has focused on brain abscesses. As reported News Medicalthe researchers focused on the link between the appearance of brain abscesses and the presence of certain bacteria in the mouth.
According to this study, bacteria known to cause oral infections may be a source of infection that leads to life-threatening brain abscesses. These findings were published in the Journal of Dentistry.
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A high presence of bacteria
As part of this study, researchers reviewed the records of 87 patients admitted to hospital with brain abscesses. To determine the cause of these abscesses, they used microbiological data obtained from abscess samples. Results ? The 52 patients for whom no cause had been identified were three times more likely to have oral bacteria in their samples.
In addition, these patients had a significantly higher number of Streptococcus anginosus, a bacterium that can be responsible for the appearance of pharyngitis, bacteremia and infections in organs such as the brain, lungs and liver, the authors of this study point out. This bacterium is often found in dental abscesses.
Take care of your mouth
“While many potential causes of brain abscesses are recognized, the origin of infection often remains clinically unidentified. However, it was still surprising to frequently find oral bacteria in brain abscesses of unexplained origin,” details Dr. Holly Roy, NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Neurosurgery and lead author. Before adding:It also highlights the importance of improving dental care and oral hygiene more generally.”
So, to preserve brain health, this study proves once once more the importance of taking care of the hygiene of your mouth. Other clinical trials are underway to investigate the links between gum health and Alzheimer’s disease.
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