Objective: the article presents the results of a study on the potential influence of such foci on the occurrence of (acquired) valvular heart diseases, resulting from both acute and chronic endocarditis.
Material and method: the study comprised sixty patients, aged from 19-69 (average 49), with acquired heart disease, and the occurrence of at least two odontogenic, inflammatory foci, both the periapical and intradental. Swabs from tooth root canals, from tissue of periapical areas as well as from tissue of heart valves with inflammatory lesions and from blood, were subject to microbiological examination, involving culturing on the BHI (Brain-Heart Infusion) broth (bioMerieux), the Schaedler broth (bioMerieux), and the grape sugar broth. Passages from the liquid media to the blood discs and chocolate agar, enriched with PolyVitex mixture (bioMerieux) were conducted daily. The identity of the cultured bacteria was established by means of special strips for biochemical studies, manufactured by bioMerieux company, for the appropriate bacteria species – Api Strepto, Api Staph, Api 20E.
Results: and conclusions: bacterial flora found on the valvular tissues and blood corresponded only with those encountered in intradental foci. This occurred in 50.00% of the aortal valves, in 21.43% of mitral valves, and in 28.57% of mitroaortic valves. The bacterial flora concerned were the species Staphylococcus aureus, epidermidis and hominis, Streptococcus milleri, salivarius and sanguis and Gemella morbillorum.