In the course of the work, the researchers found oral bacteria present in previously diagnosed brain abscesses, which previously had no explainable origin. Given their findings, they believe oral bacteria may be an underestimated cause of brain abscesses.
The researchers found that samples of brain abscesses in which no primary source of infection was identified contained large numbers of oral bacteria, and concluded that the bacteria that cause oral infections may also contribute to the development of brain abscesses in patients. In light of their findings, the researchers concluded that maintaining good oral health may help prevent the development of brain abscesses in some people.
The researchers studied the records of 87 patients with brain abscesses who had been admitted to the same neurosurgical unit for 16 years. They used microbiological data obtained from abscess and peripheral organ samples to classify bacterial species in which no primary source of infection was identified (in 52 patients) or where an infectious source of brain abscesses was identified (in 35 patients). The microbiological data were then analyzed to identify common oral bacteria in each group.
The results showed that in the samples of 52 patients in the first group, the probability of the presence of oral bacteria was about three times higher. In addition, they had significantly higher numbers of anginal streptococcus, the most common bacterial species found in brain abscesses.
In light of their findings, the authors argued that the oral cavity may be a source of infection in patients with brain abscesses of unknown origin and argued that it is critical to carefully monitor the oral health of patients with brain abscesses.
Study lead author Dr. Holly Roy, clinical professor of neurosurgery at the University of Plymouth, commented in a press release: “While many potential causes of brain abscesses are known, the origin of the infection often remains clinically undetermined and it is surprising to find bacteria in brain abscesses. of unexplained origin. This highlights the importance of using better methods of assessing oral health as a potential source of bacteria in patients with brain abscess. It also highlights the importance of better dental care and maintenance of oral hygiene in general.”
Researchers believe that to help establish a causal relationship between oral health and brain abscesses and develop prevention strategies, future research should include oral screening and microbiome analysis.
This study is part of a large ongoing university oral microbiome study that aims to investigate the association between the oral microbiome and various cardiovascular and neurological diseases.