Oral Infections

Dental Caries

Streptococcus mutans; which is facultatively anaerobic, gram-positive coccus

Herpetic gingivostomatitis

Herpes simplex virus - type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes)

Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

What causes tooth decay?

Caused by specific bacteria that produce acid in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose

The process of Tooth decay formation

Sugar/starch → Bacteria in plaque → acid → Healthy tooth → Tooth Decay

Endocarditis

A condition where there is inflammation in the the heart, most frequently caused by invasion of S. mutans, often in the heart valves

Herpes labialis

Caused by the herpes simplex virus that affects primarily the lip, causing small painful blisters

Pathway of a Herpes infection

Herpes virus enters the body → Herpes virus lies dormant in the nerves → Herpes virus is reactivated, causing another outbreak

Primary acute herpetic gingivostomatitis

Oral infection that can cause mouth discomfort, fever, lymphadenopathy, and difficulty with eating and drinking. Symptoms may persist for 2 week and be diagnosed clinically and confirmed by laboratory tests

Management of primary acute herpetic gingivostomatitis

Some young children require hospitalization for management of dehydration and pain control. Antiviral therapy with acyclovir has proven effective in the management of this disease

Disease progression of a herpes episode

Tingling in one day, redness in two days, bumps in two days, blisters in three days, scabs in 7 days, and redness in 2 days

Recurrent herpetic gingivostomatitis

A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that causes inflammation and ulcers in the mouth and gums

Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono/The Kissing Disease)

The illness is spread by casual contact, usually via saliva. Mono has an incubation period of 4 to 6 weeks, but is usually self-treatable and will resolve within days to weeks

How many mono cases per year in the US?

More than 3 million

Sir Anthony Epstein and Yvonne M. Barr

Discovered the Epstein-Barr virus that causes Infectious Mononucleosis

Meaning behind the Infectious Mononucleosis name

It was named that because it’s associated with an increase in certain white blood cells called lymphocytes in the bloodstream

Infectious Mononucleosis Transmission

The virus is shed and can be transmitted during periods of reactivation, even in people who do not have any symptoms

EBV Life Stages

EBV infects epithelial cells and B cells, and has two life states- an active and latent stage

EBV Active (lytic) stage

EBV replicates to produce more viruses

EBV Latent stage

The virus incorporates its DNA into the host cell’s DNA

Mononucleosis common symptoms

Includes swollen, red tonsils, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and a fever that ranges from 102°F to 104°F. About 1/3 of people who have mono have a whitish coating on their tonsils

Mononucleosis less common symptoms

50% of people have swollen spleens, liver enlargement may occur, and 5% of people with mono develop a body-wide red, splotchy rash that looks similar to a rash caused by measles

Palatal Petechiae

Small, pinpoint red spots that appear on the roof of the mouth (palate)

Infectious Mononucleosis complications

In extreme cases, enlargement of the spleen may cause the spleen to rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen requiring surgery

Spleen’s role

It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there. The spleen also helps fight certain kinds of bacteria that cause pneumonia and meningitis

What to avoid during active mono

Avoid contact sports during active mono and during recovery because the spleen can rupture