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Clinical Microbiology Reviews, January 2009, p. 46-64, Vol. 22, No. 1
0893-8512/09/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/CMR.00028-08
Copyright © 2009, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Microbiology of Odontogenic Bacteremia: beyond Endocarditis

N. B. Parahitiyawa,1 L. J. Jin,2 W. K. Leung,2 W. C. Yam,3 and L. P. Samaranayake1*

Oral Bio-Sciences,1 Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry,2 Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China3

Summary: The human gingival niche is a unique microbial habitat. In this habitat, biofilm organisms exist in harmony, attached to either enamel or cemental surfaces of the tooth as well as to the crevicular epithelium, subjacent to a rich vascular plexus underneath. Due to this extraordinary anatomical juxtaposition, plaque biofilm bacteria have a ready portal of ingress into the systemic circulation in both health and disease. Yet the frequency, magnitude, and etiology of bacteremias due to oral origin and the consequent end organ infections are not clear and have not recently been evaluated. In this comprehensive review, we address the available literature on triggering events, incidence, and diversity of odontogenic bacteremias. The nature of the infective agents and end organ infections (other than endocarditis) is also described, with an emphasis on the challenge of establishing the link between odontogenic infections and related systemic, focal infections.

* Corresponding author. Mailing address: Oral Bio-Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR. Phone: (852) 2859 0342. Fax: (852) 2547 6257. E-mail: Lakshman{at}hkucc.hku.hk

Clinical Microbiology Reviews, January 2009, p. 46-64, Vol. 22, No. 1
0893-8512/09/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/CMR.00028-08
Copyright © 2009, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.





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