Beta-lactamase-producing Bacteroides species in the oral cavity in relation to penicillin therapy

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Abstract
Bacteroides species are known to play an important role in orofacial and respiratory tract infections. Saliva from 104 persons was analysed for the occurrence of penicillin-resistant bacteroides. Forty-four persons harboured penicillin-resistant strains such as Bad. melaninogenicus, Bact. ruminicola, Bact. oralis, Bact. ovatu, Bad. multiacidus and Bact. hypermegas. All strains produced β-lactmases. Twelve persons who harboured penicillin-resistant strains had been on penicillin therapy during the last six months. In contrast only 5 out of 60 persons from whom no penicillin-resistant strains were isolated had received pencillin. The incidence of penicillin-resistant bacteroides in the oral cavity seems therefore to be related to previous therapy with penicillin. All penicillin-resistant strains isolated were sensitive to clindamycin and tinidazole, but several were resistant to erythromycin and/or doxycycline.