Oral Health as a Critical Factor in Nosocomial Infection Control: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Authors: Ahmed R. Alotaibi, Fatimah S. Alotaibi, Faisal M. Alsonbul, Ahad N. Albulayhid, Nada A. Alfaraj, Manal A. Alonazi, Alaa A. Alkhars

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14551466

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8wtbh

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a significant challenge in healthcare, with dental plaque emerging as a potential reservoir for nosocomial pathogens. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of pathogenic dental plaque and its association with HAIs in 200 patients (100 ICU and 100 general ward) at a tertiary hospital. Pathogens were isolated and analyzed for resistance patterns. The results showed a higher prevalence of pathogenic plaque in ICU patients (70%) compared to general ward patients (45%), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus as the dominant pathogens. Antibiotic resistance was highest in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (40%). ICU patients also exhibited a higher rate of nosocomial infections (55% vs. 25%). These findings underscore the importance of integrating oral hygiene protocols into infection control practices to mitigate HAIs.

Keywords: Dental Plaque, Nosocomial Infections, Hospital-Acquired Infections, Pathogenic Biofilm, ICU Patients, Antibiotic Resistance, Infection Control, Oral Hygiene

Paper Id: 231900

Published On: 2019-01-03

Published In: Volume 7, Issue 1, January-February 2019

Cite This: Oral Health as a Critical Factor in Nosocomial Infection Control: An Interdisciplinary Approach - Ahmed R. Alotaibi, Fatimah S. Alotaibi, Faisal M. Alsonbul, Ahad N. Albulayhid, Nada A. Alfaraj, Manal A. Alonazi, Alaa A. Alkhars - IJIRMPS Volume 7, Issue 1, January-February 2019. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.14551466

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