Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) offers a potential cure for various pediatric diseases, but complications like blood stream infections (BSI) pose significant risks. There's emerging evidence linking the oral microbiome, specifically bacteria such as S. mitis, to the onset of BSI. In a study of children undergoing HCT, we found that children with recent dental restorations or untreated decay prior to transplant 21 times more susceptible to BSI. These findings show that a cariogenic microbiome can elevate BSI risk in pediatric patients, with future metagenomic studies set to further decode this intricate relationship. Link to article
