Oral, gut bacteria could be implicated in stroke risk

Heightened levels of the oral and gut bacteria Streptococcus anginosus could indicate an increased risk of stroke and poorer poststroke outcomes.

In a preliminary study presented at the American Heart Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025, researchers examined the saliva and stool samples of 250 individuals who did or didn’t experience strokes between July 2020 and July 2021.

The researchers discovered that S. anginosus was more common in the samples of patients who experienced acute strokes compared with those who didn’t experience strokes, according to a news report from the AHA. Further, the stroke survivors with a higher prevalence of S. anginosus were more likely to experience mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events. However, Anaerostipes hadrus and Bacteroides plebeius bacteria were both associated with a decreased risk of strokes.

The researchers highlighted the link between poor oral health, inflammation and the risk of stroke. They underscored the significance of regularly brushing teeth with an appropriate toothpaste and minimizing sugar intake to target the harmful bacteria. The findings could lead to the development of a tool that may help predict and reduce the risk of strokes.

Read more: AHA

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