A study of orofacial bacterial infections in elderly Nigerians.

This retrospective study was designed to determine the pattern of occurrence, and principles of management of orofacial bacterial infections in elderly Nigerians. Ninety-two patients aged 55-90 years (mean +/- SD 62.4 +/- 7.5 years), were admitted into the study (male:female ratio 1.1:1). The origin of orofacial infection was predominantly odontogenic and the lower face was three times more commonly involved. The percentage of patients with underlying systemic disease was 16.2%. Patients with underlying disease had a 3.5 times greater risk of developing orofacial infections. Similarly, a significant correlation was demonstrated between both sexes of patients with orofacial infections and underlying illness (P < 0.05). There was a general delay before presenting for treatment (average 19.5 weeks) and the mortality rate was 3.3%. The study findings demonstrate that a significant relationship exists between elderly Nigerians with orofacial infections and systemic disease.