Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to compare the efficiency of culture methods in detecting microorganisms appearing in the bloodstream after various oral surgical procedures and effect of preoperative antibiotics and antiseptic rinses on bacteremia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prevalence of bacteremia at various intervals of time (pre- and post-surgical) was studied in three different groups presenting with indications to surgical intervention. Two of the groups were given presurgical prophylaxis (systemic antibiotic and antiseptic rinse) while, in one group, no prophylactic measure was adopted. Blood samples were withdrawn from the subjects at specific pre- and post-surgical time intervals, and microbiological analysis was done. The findings were compared with a control group involving healthy individuals and a group involved in maxillofacial trauma where the breach of oral mucosal integrity was not surgically planned. RESULTS: The presence of bacteremia was not observed in all five groups at baseline while postsurgery (30 min, 60 min, and 90 min) in only three groups (preoperative antibiotic, without prophylaxis, and 1% Povidone iodine rinse). At all postsurgery periods (30 min, 60 min and 90 min), the presence of bacteremia was evident highest in without prophylaxis group followed by 1% Povidone iodine rinse and preoperative antibiotic the least.