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Pumice slurry as a crossinfection hazard in nonclinical (teaching) dental technology laboratories
J Verran1, C Winder, J F McCord
1Department of Biological Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
This research sought to compare the microbiological status of pumice slurry in clinical and nonclinical dental laboratories. Samples were inoculated onto selective and nonselective media. Resultant colonies were counted and identified to genus or species level. In the nonclinical laboratory, counts were constant at approximately 10(7) to 10(8) cfu/g. Pseudomonads, staphylococci and Bacillus spp comprised the major pumice contaminants in both laboratories. It was concluded that nonclinical laboratories are not immune from the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in pumice slurry. Disinfection reduces contamination by oral microorganisms.
Insights
Dental laboratories, even nonclinical ones, harbor significant bacterial contamination in pumice slurry, primarily from Pseudomonads, staphylococci, and Bacillus species. Disinfection effectively reduces oral microorganism contamination in pumice.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dental Laboratory Science
Background:
- Pumice slurry is widely used in dental laboratories for polishing prosthetics.
- The microbiological status of pumice slurry in clinical versus nonclinical settings requires investigation.
- Understanding contamination sources is crucial for infection control in dental environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the microbiological contamination levels in pumice slurry from clinical and nonclinical dental laboratories.
- To identify the predominant microbial genera and species present in contaminated pumice slurry.
- To assess the effectiveness of disinfection on reducing oral microorganism contamination.
Main Methods:
- Samples of pumice slurry were collected from clinical and nonclinical dental laboratories.
- Microbiological analysis involved inoculation onto selective and nonselective media.
- Colony counts were performed, and isolates were identified to the genus or species level.
Main Results:
- Nonclinical laboratory pumice slurry exhibited high bacterial counts, approximately 10(7) to 10(8) colony-forming units per gram (cfu/g).
- Pseudomonads, staphylococci, and Bacillus spp. were the primary contaminants identified in both laboratory types.
- Disinfection protocols were shown to reduce contamination by oral microorganisms.
Conclusions:
- Nonclinical dental laboratories are susceptible to significant microbial contamination in pumice slurry.
- Potentially pathogenic microorganisms are prevalent in pumice slurry, posing a risk in both clinical and nonclinical settings.
- Implementing effective disinfection procedures is essential for mitigating microbial contamination in dental laboratory practices.