title: Microbial contamination of used dental handpieces.
abstract: Microbial contamination of used, unprocessed internal components of dental handpieces (HPs) was assessed. HPs were dismantled aseptically, immersed in phosphate-buffered saline, ultrasonicated, and cultured. A median of 200 CFU per turbine (n = 40), 400 CFU per spray channel (n = 40), and 1000 CFU per item of surgical gear (n = 20) was detected. Isolates included oral streptococci, Pseudomonas spp, and Staphylococcus aureus. Recovery of S aureus confirms the need for appropriate HP cleaning and sterilization after each patient to prevent cross-infection.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland. Electronic address: Andrew.smith@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003762:Dental Instruments / Q000382:microbiology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods
keywords: Biofilm; Cross-infection; Dental turbine; Staphylococcus aureus