Microbial contamination of dental unit waterlines: prevalence, intensity and microbiological characteristics.
Microbiological studies on dental unit water samples from 150 operatories revealed widespread and unacceptably high levels of contamination. Biofilm formation along the walls of the fine-bore waterlines is primarily responsible. These findings are reviewed and their relevance to contemporary infection control concerns discussed.
Williams
J F
JF
Clinical Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
Johnston
A M
AM
Johnson
B
B
Huntington
M K
MK
Mackenzie
C D
CD
D002140:California; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003748:Dental Equipment; D003770:Dental Offices; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D009922:Oregon; D014861:Washington; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014881:Water Supply