Transient bacteremia after tooth extraction with intravenous cefuroxime prophylaxis.

Twenty-four blood samples obtained after tooth extraction with intravenous cefuroxime prophylaxis were cultured on Bactec NR16A and NR 17A (Becton Dickinson, Maryland, U. S. A.). MIC of identified microbes and the serum levels of cefuroxime were also measured. The overall incidence of bacteremia was 16.7% (four out of 24). Although nine strains were isolated, no streptococcal bacteremia occurred. The MICs of cefuroxime varied from 0.05 to 12.5 micrograms/ml, and serum levels ranged from 100 to 233 micrograms/ml, which were satisfactory concentrations for the microorganisms isolated. The results suggested that intravenous cefuroxime prophylaxis for tooth extraction reduced the incidence of bacteremia, as well as the isolation rate of streptococci, significantly.