Oral carriage of yeasts and coliforms in stroke sufferers: a prospective longitudinal study

Aim: To investigate prospectively the qualitative and quantitative changes in oral carriage of yeasts and coliforms in southern Chinese people suffering from stroke. Materials and methods: In 56 elderly people suffering from stroke in a rehabilitation unit of a general medical hospital in Hong Kong, oral microbiological sampling using a combined imprint culture, oral rinse approach and clinical assessment was made during the acute stroke phase, on hospital discharge and 6 months later. Results: The oral carriage of yeasts increased significantly during acute stroke (P