Microbiological Water Evaluation from Biofilm Adhered to Dental Unit Waterlines

2019 • Volume 13 • Issue 3

Altamir Oliveira de Figueiredo-Filho; Jessica Silva Peixoto Bem; Carlos Roberto Weber Sobrinho & Fábio Barbosa de Souza

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-381X2019000300357

Summary

The contamination of the dental units’ waterlines is a reality, which can develop individual and collective disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and resistance profile of bacteria on the internal surfaces of waterlines in a dental clinic from a Dentistry school of a Brazilian university. The design was an exploratory, descriptive study with quantitative and qualitative approach. Samples (n=4) were collected for analysis at different points: the portion closest to the water reservoir of the chair, and the portion closest to the triple syringe. After collection the samples were cultured in BHI medium in an oven for 24-48 h at 37 °C. For the quantitative analysis 1 ml of each sample was used for serial dilution up to the dilution value seven. The colonies were counted after pour plate and the results expressed in UFC/cm2. The qualitative analysis was initiated with the cultivation of Agar Blood, EMB-Levine and Cetrimide Agar for 24 h, and the identification of bacteria was performed by microscopic analyses. The resistance profile was verified by classical antibiogram. The internal surfaces of unit waterlines units exhibited a mean of 2.44 x 109 CFU / cm2. Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified. The resistance profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa indicated sensitivity to all tested antibiotics. A large number of microorganisms was quantified from biofilm accumulated in the dental units’ waterlines. However, they were not resistant to classic antibiogram. Better management and application of decontamination protocols for waterlines need to be applied since opportunistic infections may be associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

KEY WORDS: water, biofilms, equipment contamination, infection control.

 

How to cite this article

FIGUEIREDO-FILHO, A. O.; BEM, J. S. P., SOBRINHO, C. R. W. & SOUZA, F. B. Microbiological water evaluation from biofilm adhered to dental unit waterlines. Int. J. Odontostomat., 13(3):357-362, 2019.

 

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