Nosocomial pneumonia: importance of the oral environment.
Nosocomial pneumonia, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia, is a common infection in ICUs. The main etiologic factors involve colonizing and opportunistic bacteria from the oral cavity. Oral hygiene measures, including the use of oral antiseptic agents, such as chlorhexidine, have proven useful in reducing its incidence. The objective of this article was to review the literature on the importance of the oral environment in the development of nosocomial pneumonia.
Amaral
Simone Macedo
SM
Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Cortês
Antonieta de Queiróz
Ade Q
Pires
Fábio Ramôa
FR
D018441:Biofilms; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D009055:Mouth / Q000382:microbiology*; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000379:methods*; D053717:Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors