Abstract

SANTI, Samantha Simoni  and  SANTOS, Rubem Beraldo dos. Prevalence of nosocomial pneumonia and its relation to periodontal disease: literature review. RFO UPF [online]. 2016, vol.21, n.2, pp. 260-266. ISSN 1413-4012.

Objective: The present study aimed to perform a literature review seeking to estimate the prevalence of nosocomial pneumonia and its potential relation to periodontal disease. Literature review: Nosocomial pneumonia is an infection of the pulmonary parenchyma caused by different etiological agents, resulting in the imbalance of immunity mechanisms, especially in subjects admitted to Intensive Care Units. Its occurrence has been recognized as an important public health problem in Brazil and around the world with significant prevalence increase. Dental biofilm colonization and periodontal disease may play an important role as reservoirs of microorganisms responsible for this infection, considering that nosocomial pneumonia results from the aspiration of the oropharyngeal flora to the lower respiratory tract. Final considerations: The studied literature strongly suggests the relation of periodontal disease to the establishment of nosocomial pneumonia. Considering that in Brazil this infection may occur from one tenth of the patients in Intensive Care Units, it becomes even more important to know its prevalence and associated factors, so to plan effective control strategies.

Keywords : Dental Biofilm.; Pneumonia.; Prevalence.; Intensive Care Unit..