Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Correspondence: Maribasappa Karched maribasappa. The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author s and the copyright owner s are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice.
No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Biofilm formation in dental unit waterlines and the resulting microbial contamination of the water in the system has become a significant problem. Contaminated water in the dental units is a major concern in dental clinics due to potential risk of causing infections particularly in elderly and immunocompromised patients.
The aim of this study was at first to determine microbial contamination of the dental unit waterlines and then to study the efficacy of a comprehensive disinfection protocol on decreasing the microbial load. Water samples were collected before and after disinfection procedure from handpieces and water storage bottles from the dental units, a small 1-cm tubing was cut from each unit and subjected to microbiological culture on different growth media.
Identification of the predominant species was achieved by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbial growth was observed in samples collected from all dental units. Aggravation of the biofilm growth on the tubing surfaces and the microbial contamination in the water can be effectively controlled by implementing appropriate and routine disinfection protocols.
This may help protect the dental unit staff and the patients being exposed to the risk of infections. Keywords: biofilm, microbial contamination, dental unit water line, pathogenic species, 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Biofilm formation inside or on the surface of medical devices is a serious public health issue. Dental chair associated tools such as 3-in-1 syringe, air rotors, scalers etc. Microorganisms grow as multispecies biofilm on inner surfaces of water tubing. A fundamental property of biofilms is that they resist penetration by antimicrobial agents and the bacteria inside the biofilms are more resistant to antimicrobials than the planktonic cells 4 , 5.
