Evaluación de la composición bacteriana de cocos Gram positivos en la mucosa oral de adultos mayores y sus felinos

Abstract

Introduction: Oral diseases in older adults may be influenced by various sociocultural factors, such as living with animals, which can transmit microorganisms through feces and mucosa, including Gram-positive cocci associated with cavities and periodontitis. These conditions can progress in this population due to physiological changes. Objective: To establish the relationship between the presence of Gram-positive cocci in the oral cavity of older adults and those of their domestic cats, identifying the bacterial diversity present and evaluating the factors that may influence their transmission. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted with a sample of 20 older adults and their respective cats. Oral mucosal samples were taken from both, which were analyzed in the laboratory through microbiological cultures (blood agar, Baird Parker agar) and bacterial identification tests (RAPID STR® metabolic test kit and catalase and coagulase tests). The data were processed using absolute and relative frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion to determine the distribution of microbiota in humans and their pets, considering variables such as: oral hygiene, close contact, and frequency of interaction with cats. Results: A higher incidence of Gram-positive cocci was observed in the oral mucosa of older adults living with cats that carry these microorganisms, showing bacterial colonization of mostly Staphylococcus coagulase-negative (45%) and to a lesser extent Streptococcus sp. (10%). Habits such as sharing utensils, sleeping with the cat, and lack of oral hygiene favor the presence of these bacteria in humans. Conclusion: Close interaction with cats may be associated with the presence of Gram-positive cocci in the oral mucosa of older adults, suggesting a possible bacterial transmission.Oral diseases in older adults may be influenced by various sociocultural factors, such as living with animals, which can transmit microorganisms through feces and mucosa, including Gram-positive cocci associated with cavities and periodontitis. These conditions can progress in this population due to physiological changes.