title: Oral infections in the immunocompromised host.
abstract: The prevalence of infections in the immunocompromised host is increasing. The oral cavity is a primary or sole site in many cases. It is important for the practicing clinician to recognize the more common infections in this growing patient population. Oral examinations are an essential component of all physical examinations, especially when immunosuppression is known or suspected. We recommend that all patients starting immunosuppressive therapy receive a comprehensive oral examination before the institution of such therapy to eliminate potential sources of oral and odontogenic infections. The examination should include full mouth dental radiographs and a complete soft-tissue examination. Timely, accurate diagnoses may have important implications with regard to management, prognosis, cost, morbidity, and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis 46202-6267, USA.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Mirowski
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bettencourt
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Hood
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003190:Comprehensive Dental Care; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D010808:Physical Examination; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D015996:Survival Rate; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents