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Published on: December 31, 2017
Surface Microbiome Profiling of Dental Elevators Using Third-Generation Sequencing: Implications for Infection
Jiajia Zheng1, Kan Wang2, Jinghua He1
1Eighth Clinical Division, (Former Employer First Clinical Division/Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery), Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing, Shijingshan, China.
Dental elevators harbor diverse microbial biofilms, posing cross-contamination risks in healthcare settings. Enhanced sterilization protocols are crucial for patient safety and infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
- Dental Healthcare
Background:
- Clinically used dental elevators can harbor microbial biofilms.
- These biofilms present potential risks for cross-contamination and nosocomial infections.
- Percutaneous injuries in dental settings can facilitate pathogen transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the microbial communities in biofilms on dental elevators.
- To assess the risk of cross-contamination and nosocomial infections.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current sterilization protocols.
Main Methods:
- Biofilm samples were collected from 15 dental elevators over 3 weeks.
- Total DNA was extracted and sequenced using PacBio Sequel II platform.
- Taxonomic annotation and diversity analyses were performed on sequencing data.
Main Results:
- Diverse microbial communities dominated by Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillus were identified.
- Significant variations in microbial composition and significant co-colonization patterns were observed.
- Unclassified taxa from the Candidatus Saccharibacteria (TM7) group were also present.
Conclusions:
- Dental elevators harbor complex microbial biofilms, increasing infection risks.
- Heterogeneity in biofilm formation necessitates robust infection control measures.
- Third-generation sequencing is valuable for understanding and improving dental infection control strategies.
