Colonization of Legionella spp. In dental unit waterlines.
J Biol Regul Homeost Agents
; 32(2 Suppl. 1): 139-142, 2018.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29460533
ABSTRACT
Legionella spp. are ubiquitous in aquatic habitats and water distribution systems, including dental unit waterlines. Surveys have shown that the percentage of samples taken at different dental sites that were positive for Legionella spp. were highly variable and ranged from 0% to 100%. Cultivation is the principal approach to evaluating bacterial contamination employed in the past, but applying this approach to testing for Legionella spp. may result in false-negative data or underestimated bacterial counts. PCR and direct fluorescent counts can detect viable non-cultivable bacteria, which are not counted by plating procedures. Legionella spp., commonly form such viable non-culturable cells and it is likely that they contribute to the difference between plate count results and those of PCR and fluorescent-antibody detection. However, studies have shown that Legionella is present in the municipal water source in spite of the current filtration and chlorination procedures. Once Legionella reaches the building water system, it settles down into a biofilm layer of stagnant water. By means of this layer, Legionella can protect itself from antimicrobial agents and then multiply. Dental unit waterlines may be contaminated with opportunistic bacteria. The water quality in the dental units should be controlled to eliminate opportunistic pathogens and to provide water for dental treatment that meets public health standards for potable water.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Legionella
/
Dental Equipment
Type of study:
Guideline
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Biol Regul Homeost Agents
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA
/
BIOQUIMICA
Year:
2018
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: