Serratia marcescens Maxillary Sinusitis and Ethmoiditis in an HIV-Positive Patient Caused by Dental Implant Migrating into the Maxillary Sinus

Oral 2026 Open access

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Authors: Tomasz Marecik, Krzysztof Gąsiorowski, Jakub Bargiel, Grażyna Wyszyńska–Pawelec, Michał Gontarz
DOI: 10.3390/oral6010017
Cited by: 2
References: 22

Abstract

Iatrogenic maxillary sinusitis accounts for a significant proportion of unilateral sinus infections. This report describes a 36-year-old HIV-positive patient with Serratia marcescens chronic left maxillary sinusitis and ethmoiditis caused by migration of a dental implant into the maxillary sinus. The implant was successfully removed endoscopically via functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Histopathological examination revealed polypoid mucosa with chronic inflammation, while microbiological culture grew Serratia marcescens, an uncommon and opportunistic pathogen. Targeted antibiotic therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was administered for 20 days. Six-month follow-up revealed complete remission without recurrence of sinusitis.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Sinusitis and nasal conditions Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes

Publication details

Journal / source
Oral
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
6
Issue
1
Pages
17–17
Publication date
3 February 2026
Language
EN