Microbiological analysis of tongue dorsum coating in patients hospitalized in ICU

ABSTRACT Objective: ssess quantitatively and qualitatively tongue coating microbiota in ICU patients. Methods: Analytical observational study, convenience sample comprising 65 patients was included for medical report analysis collection of general data, assessment through visual inspection microbiological further laboratory analysis. The performed by a single examiner using sterile swab introduced rubbing the posterior portion close to oropharynx. Results: Most (60%) belonged female sex, at mean age 74.2 years. main reasons hospitalization were lung issues (26.2%) - prevailing associated comorbidities diabetes (43.1%) high blood pressure (66.2%). length stay one day. All presented dorsum coating. There Candida albicans (37%), Streptococcus parasanguinis (26.1%) mitis (32.6%) 1/3 lingual extension. (p=0,0265) most prevalent species. Conclusion: no significance between amount number observed species, although all assessed had microorganisms albicans, mitis.