Oropharyngeal colonisation with fungi and gram-negative rods in patients treated with radiotherapy of the head and neck.

Twenty-five patients treated for malignant conditions of the head and neck were investigated for the development of oral radiation mucositis as well as oropharyngeal colonisation with fungi and Gram-negative bacilli. The colonisation rate of the patients increased from 20% to 80% during therapy. The patients were colonised mainly with fungi, but also to a lesser extent with Gram-negative bacilli.

Selective suppression of the anaerobic oropharyngeal microflora with local metronidazole.

Anaerobic microorganisms of the normal oropharyngeal flora have been shown to be the main pathogens in orofacial infections of odontogenic origin. Reduction of the density of anaerobes in the oral cavity as a prophylactic measure before oral surgery may be a rational way to reduce the frequency of post-operative infections. This report describes a local antibiotic regimen that can reduce anaerobic pathogens in the oral cavity.

Comparison between two non-absorbable antibiotic regimens for decontamination of the oropharynx.

Fourteen healthy individuals were studied regarding the oropharyngeal microflora. Seven subjects were given a non-absorbable multi-drug regimen, consisting of 1% polymyxin B, 3% neomycin and 3% amphotericin B, that was directed against aerobic gram-negative rods and fungi for local decontamination of the oropharynx. Seven others were given another multi-drug regimen consisting of 1% polymyxin B, 1% neomycin, 3% amphotericin B and 0.

Impact of phenoxymethylpenicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin and doxycycline on Streptococcus salivarius in the oropharynx.

Streptococcus salivarius plays a role in the normal oropharyngeal resistance to colonization with group A streptococci. Suppression of Str. salivarius may increase the risk of colonization.