Mycological contamination in dental unit waterlines in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Studies on dental units (DUs) are conducted either for the prevention or the reduction of the density of bacterial contamination in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). However, the existence of fungi in the these systems requires more attention. During dental treatment, direct contact with water contaminated with fungi such as Candida, Aspergillus, or inhalation of aerosols from high-speed drill may cause various respiratory infections, such as asthma, allergies, and wounds on mucose membranes, especially on immunocompromised patients and dentists. The aims of this study are to investigate the number and colonization of fungi in DUWLs in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. Water samples were collected from air-water syringes, high-speed drills, and inlet waters from 41 DUs. The aerobic mesophilic fungi count in high- speed drills was higher than inlet waters and air-water syringes. Non-sporulating fungi were found in 7 DUs. The isolated fungi were identified as Penicillium waksmanii, Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp., Candida famata, Cryptococcus laurentii, Candida guilliermondii, Penicillium verrucosum, Aspergillus pseudoglaucus, Penicillium decumbens, and Acremonium sp. Some of these fungal genera are known as opportunistic pathogens that led to respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinits. This study shows the importance of regular control of mycological contamination on water at DUs.

Risk assessment for the spread of Candida sp. in dental chair unit waterlines using molecular techniques

“…in water of dental units was reported by several authors. The results of predominant isolated strains from DCUWLs obtained from this study corroborated those of Szymańska and Kadaifciler et al ,. which demonstrated that the most isolated yeasts were C. albicans , C. guilliermondii , C. famata , C. curvata and Geotrichum candidum .…”

Wide diversity of fungal species found in wellwater for human consumption: an analytical cross-sectional study

“…4,5 Although yeast species were less commonly found in the present investigation, their diversity is corroborated by data from other studies, involving water from different sources. 14 open wounds. 14,15 Similarly, Aureobasidium pullulans, which was detected in water from both types of wells ( Table 1), poses a risk to the health of immunosuppressed consumers, because this species can survival in water distribution systems.…”

Study on the prevention of cross-infection by aerosols during scaling

“…Moraxella osloensis, on the other hand, is known to be a major causative bacterium of respiratory tract infection, and has been reported to show penicillin resistance [12]. Previous studies have also suggested that dental employees should consider the risk of infection as they are frequently exposed to bioaerosols [13,14]. For the prevention of infectious diseases, it is efficient to prevent exposure to infection or to prevent contamination by an infection medium, and direct contact with bacteria should be avoided.…”