Identification of respiratory pathogens in the mouth has led researchers to hypothesize that a relationship exists between the oral cavity and pulmonary infections. A common complication of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant is infection and pneumonia. Identification of potential pathogens in the oral cavity of allogeneic stem cell patients could indicate a similar association between oral pathogens and infection. This study population (n=50) is composed of adult patients who are planning to undergo an allogeneic stem cell transplant and can provide informed consent. Saliva specimens, dental plaque and mucosal brushings will be collected at the three different times during the patients treatment and recovery. Additional oral specimens will be obtained from patients who develop respiratory signs or symptoms that require an inpatient or intensive care unit admission. Patients will be followed and assessed for respiratory signs, symptoms, inpatient or ICU admission until day 100 post-transplant. The identification of bacteria will be studied using various comparative molecular techniques, including DNA arrays and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). All scheduled specimen collection is complete as of this month. Two patients are being followed until 100 days post-transplant. Analysis is continuing.
