Alimetrix® ORAL-Metrix Benefits
Cardiovascular Disease
Not only is the mouth an important portal of entry to the digestive tract, but it is increasingly being shown that inflammation and infection of the oral cavity are associated with diseases found in other organ systems, specifically the cardiovascular system. When the integrity of the oral barrier becomes compromised by infection, a gateway is opened for pathogens to access underlying bone and the circulatory system. The acronym HACEK refers to a group of gram-negative bacilli capable of producing endocardial infections. Approximately 10% of endocarditis cases and cardiac valve infections are caused by HACEK bacteria, which originate from the mouth. These organisms are often missed using traditional culture-based diagnostic systems because they are fastidious and slow growing. This in turn leads to uncertainties associated with treatment and questionable outcomes. Alimetrix is able to detect these problematic organisms with exceptional sensitivity and specificity. Our test provides clinicians with clear, actionable information, so they can more effectively treat endocardial infections.