Risk of exposure to Legionella in dental practice.
Aerosols generated in dental operations are a source of exposure to microorganisms proliferated within dental unit waterlines (DUWL) biofilm. It has been suggested that presence of Legionella species in these aerosols may contribute to potential health hazards for dental staff and patients. The article attempts to provide a brief overview of the current knowledge about Legionella, its prevalence in DUWL, immunological reactions of the dentists and concepts for prophylaxis of Legionella in dentists' work place.
Szymanska
Jolanta
J
AAEM Editors, Instytut Medycyny Wsi, Jaczewskiego 2, P.O. Box 185, 20-950 Lublin, Poland. adpunctum@adres.pl
D000336:Aerosols / Q000009:adverse effects; D018441:Biofilms; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000382:microbiology*; D003770:Dental Offices / Q000592:standards; D003797:Dental Staff / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000379:methods; D007875:Legionella / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014871:Water Microbiology; D018508:Water Purification
D000336:Aerosols