Contribution of biofilm bacteria to the contamination of the dental unit water supply
Article Abstract:
Bacterial biofilm in dental tubing may be a major source of contamination in dental unit water systems (DUWS). Biofilm develops when microorganisms in water adhere to a surface and multiply. Researchers conducted a series of experiments to evaluate biofilm contamination in DUWS and to assess the effectiveness of flushing and disinfection on biofilm. Bacteria-free water introduced into tubing with biofilm became contaminated within five minutes. The bacterial count increased over time and peaked at 24 hours. A 10-minute flush with bacteria-free water immediately eliminated all detectable bacteria from the tubing, although cultures revealed contamination 24 hours later. Disinfection with a bleach solution eradicated all identifiable bacteria, although scanning electron microscopy revealed that the biofilm structure remained intact.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1995
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Molecular techniques reveal high prevalence of Legionella in dental units
Article Abstract:
The water in many dental units may be harboring Legionella. This bacterium is responsible for legionnaire's disease and Pontiac fever. It is normally transmitted in aerosolized water, but can also infect wounds. Researchers collected water samples from 47 dental units in Maryland and California. They analyzed the samples for Legionella using culture media, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR detected Legionella in 62% of the samples, DFA in 40% and culture in 9%. In 62% of the cases, the species detected was not the one that causes legionnaire's disease.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1996
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Dental unit waterlines: biofilms, disinfection and recurrence
Article Abstract:
Disinfecting dental unit waterlines can eliminate bacteria from the water but do not remove biofilms from the inside of the tubing. Biofilms are deposits created by bacteria. Researchers examined biofilms on tubing and measured bacteria in the water in waterlines before and after treatment with three disinfectants: bleach, glutaraldehyde, and isopropanol. A single overnight treatment with these chemicals effectively eliminated bacteria in the water and biofilm, but did not eliminate the biofilm. The bacteria eventually returned within three to 15 days.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1999
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