Start practicing

Restorative & Materials · single question

Which infective endocarditis (IE)-causing bacteria originate from DENTAL/ORAL sources?

  1. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  2. Streptococcus pneumoniae
  3. Staphylococcus aureus (most common overall IE cause — from skin/IV lines, not dental)
  4. Streptococcus viridans (oral streptococci — most common from dental procedures)
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Streptococcus viridans (oral streptococci — most common from dental procedures)

  • A. Pseudomonas is an opportunistic pathogen causing IE in IV drug users — not dental-origin.
  • B. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumococcal IE — from respiratory source, not dental.
  • C. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common overall cause of IE (from skin, IV drug use, catheters) — but it is NOT the dental origin bacterium.
  • D. Correct. STREPTOCOCCUS VIRIDANS (viridans group streptococci, including S. sanguinis, S. mutans, S. mitis) are the most common cause of DENTAL PROCEDURE–RELATED infective endocarditis. They are normal oral flora that can enter the bloodstream during dental procedures and colonize damaged or prosthetic heart valves.

Practice Restorative & Materials questions Restorative & Materials study notes

More Restorative & Materials practice questions