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Taking Care Of Patient With Strept Anginosus. Had Dental Procedure Involving Gingiva. Is It Contagious?

Posted on Wed, 22 May 2013

Question: Hi, I work at the hospital, I am taking care of a patient with extensive head/neck abscess secondary to strept anginosus, I had dental procedure involving the gingiva > 1 month ago but still is healing. I am afraid that I may contract the bacteria from my work exposure . I know it could be part of mouth flora. So is this possible that I may contract it through this contact ? What type of exposure is needed to put me at risk of this infection? and what is the time frame for me to feel safe about it? I am otherwise healthy with no medical issues. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (59 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

You need not worry about that patient with that particular infection. This bacterium streptococcus anginosus causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Since you mentioned that you donot have any other medical issues and healthy you need not worry about that. This bacterium is a normal part of human oral cavity.

You should take general universal precautions as normally required in handling any patient. As far as this bacterium is concerned you need not worry as it is likely to be there in every body.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (50 minutes later)

Hi, thank you for your reply. So my contact with this patient will not result in me acquiring this bacteria as part of my mouth flora? I mean it was already there before this contact? I m a nurse and had significant contact with the patient, I just used gloves in handling. I am concerned as my dental procedure is still healing and also my husband is having a major dental procedure as well next week, he is also healthy otherwise.
Thank you for your advice.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (9 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

That microorganism is most likely to be a part of your oral cavity. So you need not worry about that.

Since you are a nurse you should take universal precautions applicable to each and every patient.

Hope I answered your query.
Take care.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar