Overview

• Researchers reported in the Journal of the American Heart Association that coronary plaques from 121 sudden-death autopsies and 96 surgical patients frequently contained genetic material from oral bacteria.
• Viridans group Streptococci were the most commonly detected organisms, with targeted antibody work identifying biofilm-like structures within arterial tissue.
• The authors observed bacterial dispersal in some ruptured plaques and propose that dormant plaque biofilms may reactivate and ignite local inflammation leading to thrombosis.
• Independent cardiologists called the findings intriguing yet preliminary, emphasizing that the evidence is associative and requires replication and validation of live bacteria before changing care.
• Experts advise maintaining strong oral hygiene, treating dental infections promptly, and staying current on influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccinations, noting no approved vaccine protects against strep viridans.