Health Bulletin 17/ June/ 2024

A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology has revealed that regular use of alcohol-based mouthwashes may have detrimental effects on the oral microbiome, potentially increasing the risk of periodontal diseases and certain cancers. The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion and maintaining overall oral health.

The research, conducted by the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Belgium, observed that daily use of alcohol-based mouthwash over three months led to a significant increase in two species of opportunistic bacteria: Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus. These bacteria are linked to a higher risk of gum disease, as well as esophageal and colorectal cancers.

Additionally, the study noted a decrease in Actinobacteria, a group of bacteria essential for regulating blood pressure. This finding underscores the delicate balance of the oral microbiome and the potential consequences of disrupting it through regular use of alcohol-based mouthwashes.

Reference: J.G.E. Laumen​, C. Van Dijck, S.S. Manoharan-Basil​, T. de Block​, S. Abdellati​, B.B. Xavier​, S. Malhotra-Kumar​ and C. Kenyon; The effect of daily usage of Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash on the oropharyngeal microbiome: a substudy of the PReGo trial; Journal of Medical Microbiology; https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001830

It was observed by the Commission that the woman was a high-risk patient and the ECHO test conducted a day before the surgery showed LVEF as 35%. Therefore, it was a cardiac risk, noted the Commission and observed that after discharge, when the patient's condition deteriorated, the hospital did not admit her.

Taking strict action against 7 doctors who obtained registration by submitting fake documents, the Rajasthan Medical Council has cancelled their permanent registration. These doctors with MBBS degrees from foreign medical universities reportedly failed to clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to practice in India and were found practising in the state with Rajasthan Medical Council (RMC) registration acquired with fake documents.

It was found that out of the seven doctors, two have managed to obtain positions within the government sector and are working at government hospitals in the Jaipur district.

Balrampur Hospital in Lucknow has achieved a milestone by becoming the first district hospital to offer surgical treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia, also known as the suicide disease due to its excruciating pain.

This achievement follows the successful operation of Ashok Kumar, 46, who was suffering from the condition. The patient had to spend merely Rs 400 for the surgery.