Evaluating Utility Gloves as a Potential Reservoir for Pathogenic Bacteria.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infection Control
• Dental Hygiene

Background:

• Dental clinics utilize utility gloves for various tasks.
• Sterilization protocols are crucial for preventing cross-contamination.
• The effectiveness of sterilization for utility gloves requires ongoing assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the occurrence rate of specific bacteria on the inside of dental utility gloves.
• To compare contamination levels between sterilized (control) and used utility gloves.
• To assess the presence of gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving five steam autoclave utility gloves (control) and ten used utility gloves.
• Samples collected from a defined surface area inside the gloves.
• Samples cultured on two types of media and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 30-36 hours.
• Colony forming units (CFU) were counted to quantify bacterial growth.

Main Results:

• Low contamination rates were estimated for gram-negative bacteria (K. pneumoniae, E. coli, P. aeruginosa) on both control and used gloves.
• Significant contamination rates of gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus were observed on both steam autoclave utility gloves and used utility gloves.
• Bacterial counts (CFU) ranged widely from 0 to over 200.

Conclusions:

• The risk of utility glove contamination with gram-negative bacteria appears low.
• The presence of Staphylococcus aureus on sterilized utility gloves raises concerns about the efficacy of current sterilization standards.
• Further investigation is warranted to ensure the safety and effectiveness of utility glove sterilization in dental settings.