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Published on: November 7, 2020
Investigations on the risk of virus infection in dental surgery. Preliminary data
Abstract:
Four virus strains -- influenza A/Texas 1/77 (H3N2) an A/USSR 90/77 (H1N1), adenovirus and parainfluenza type 2 -- were isolated from different specimens collected in dental surgery rooms. High levels of antibodies to respiratory viruses (influenza, parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3), adeno-, cytomegalic and herpes viruses, as well as the presence of HBsAg and anti-HBs could be detected in sera from patients hospitalized for dento-maxillofacial surgery. An epidemiological survey among dentists and dental assistants confirmed their exposure to an enhanced risk of occupational virus contamination, as compared with other categories of medical personnel.
Insights
Dental surgery rooms harbor respiratory viruses like influenza and adenovirus. Dentists and dental assistants face higher occupational virus exposure risks compared to other medical personnel, highlighting a need for enhanced infection control.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Dental surgery environments can harbor various pathogens.
- Patients undergoing dento-maxillofacial surgery may have elevated antibody levels to several viruses.
- Healthcare workers in dental settings may face unique exposure risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific virus strains present in dental surgery rooms.
- To assess the serological evidence of viral exposure in patients undergoing dental surgery.
- To evaluate the occupational risk of virus contamination for dental personnel.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of virus strains from environmental specimens.
- Serological testing for antibodies against common respiratory, adeno-, cytomegalic, and herpes viruses.
- Epidemiological survey comparing virus exposure risks among dental professionals and other medical staff.
Main Results:
- Influenza A (H3N2, H1N1), adenovirus, and parainfluenza type 2 viruses were isolated from dental surgery room specimens.
- Patients showed high antibody levels to influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, cytomegalic, and herpes viruses, and hepatitis B markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs).
- Dentists and dental assistants exhibited a significantly higher risk of occupational virus contamination.
Conclusions:
- Dental surgery settings are potential reservoirs for significant respiratory and other viruses.
- Patients undergoing complex dental procedures demonstrate widespread viral exposure.
- Dental healthcare professionals are at an elevated risk for occupational viral infections, necessitating stringent preventive measures.
