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A new study shows that bacteria known to cause infections in the mouth may also be a contributing factor in patients developing life-threatening brain cysts.
The study, published in the journal Dentistry, looked at brain cysts and their association with bacteria occurring in the oral cavity.
While this type of cyst is relatively rare, it can lead to significant mortality or morbidity.
The researchers examined the medical records of 87 hospitalized patients with brain abscesses and used microbiological data obtained from abscess sampling and lab-grown samples.
This allowed them to investigate the presence of oral bacteria in abscesses in the patients’ brains, as the cause of the abscess was only identified in 35 patients or was never found.
Their results showed that the 52 patients whose cysts had no cause were three times more likely to have oral bacteria in their samples, compared with patients for whom the cause of their cysts was known.
These patients also carry significantly higher numbers of Streptococcus anginosus, a bacterium that can lead to pharyngitis, bacteremia and inflammation of internal organs such as the brain, lungs and liver. These bacteria are often found in dental abscesses.
A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling of the brain and usually occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or after a severe head injury.
In a university statement, study lead author Dr Holly Roy said the findings underline the importance of good oral hygiene.
He explained, “While many possible causes of brain abscesses are identified, the clinical origin of the infection often remains unknown. However, it was surprising to find oral bacteria frequently occurring in brain abscesses of unexplained origin.”
“This highlights the importance of using more sensitive techniques to evaluate the oral cavity as a potential bacterial source in patients with brain abscess. It also highlights the importance of improving dental care and general oral hygiene.”
The study concluded: ‘These results indicate that the oral cavity may be considered a hidden source of infection in cases of brain abscess for which a clear cause has not been identified.’
Future studies should include oral screening and microbiome analysis to better understand specific mechanisms and develop approaches for prevention.
The study is part of ongoing research within the university’s Oral Microbiome Research Group, led by Dr. Raul Pescus and Dr. Zoe Brooks, to explore the links between the oral microbiome and a range of diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Additional clinical trials are underway to investigate the links between gum health and Alzheimer’s disease and to identify patients at risk for cardiovascular disease in primary care dental clinics, as disruption to the balance of oral bacteria (the microbiome ) during periodontal disease can lead to high blood pressure and strokes.
Symptoms of a brain abscess include:
Headache – which is often severe, located in one part of the head and cannot be relieved with painkillers
Changes in mental state – such as confusion
Problems with nerve function – such as muscle weakness, slurred speech or paralysis on one side of the body
– High temperature.
– seizures.
I do not feel well.
Neck stiffness.
Vision changes, such as blurred, graying, or double vision.
