Genetic-relatedness of peri-implants and buccal Candida albicans isolates determined by RAPD-PCR.

Molecular techniques have been used in recent studies to identify a wide range of potential bacterial pathogens in periimplant pockets of the oral cavity. However, the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of yeasts and species distribution related to periimplantitis are as yet unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of yeasts in periimplant biofilm and to study genetic relatedness of Candida albicans.

Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species in immunocompetent individuals.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species in samples of nasal mucosa from 100 immunocompetent subjects of both sexes, aged 18-70 years, during stomatological clinical examination. Samples were taken from the mucosa of both nasal fossae using sterile swabs. Samples were observed fresh, stained with Gram and Giemsa, and cultured on selective differential media at 37 degrees C to isolate and identify the selected microorganisms; conventional biochemical tests and commercial equipment and molecular studies using PCR were performed.

Prevalence of Candida species in necrotic pulp with chronic periapical processes.

The aim of this study was to identify species of the genus Candida in mucosa of oral cavity and in single-rooted teeth with pulp necrosis with chronic endodontic periapical processes, with radiographic images 2+/-4 mm and without clinical symptomatology, in immunocompetent patients. The study included 82 immunocompetent patients of both sexes aged 18-70 years with a clinical dental diagnosis of septic pulp necrosis. Samples were taken from root canals with sterile # 25 paper points and from oral mucosa with a sterile swab.

Survival of Staphylococcus aureus on fomites.

The aim of this study was to evaluate duration of survival of Staphylococcus aureus on contaminated standardized fomites, such as sterilization paper (SP) and polyester previously sterilized in a steam autoclave, and to determine the potential inhibitory effects of the substrates (fabrics used to manufacture garments and special wrapping paper used in the dental setting) using the bacteriostasis test. The test was performed on two types of sterile standardized samples (T1 and T2). Sterility of the samples was validated following the protocol in use at the Department of Microbiology, after which the samples were inoculated with 50 microl of a calibrated suspension of Staphylococcus aureus (reference strain ATCC 25923) in the exponential growth phase, in a final concentration of 10(7) cfu/ml and 10(6) cfu/ml).

Viable spore counts in biological controls pre-sterilization.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the total count of viable spores in standardized inoculated carriers pre-sterilization. Samples of "Bacterial Spore Sterilization Strip" (R Biological Laboratories) (well before their expiry date) were divided into Group A (B. subtilis) and Group B (B.

Long-term sterility of orthodontic-surgical appliances.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term sterility of new dental appliances according to the non rigid wrapping employed and assess the effectiveness of sterilization in a steam autoclave at 134 degrees for 20 minutes using physical, chemical, and biological indicators. All the experimental (E) samples and the control samples (C) were assigned to one of three groups according to the type of packaging: paper bag (E1), paper/plastic pouch (E2), nylon tubing bag (E3). Each bag contained standardized orthodontic wires and brackets and sterility indicators.

In vitro measurement accuracy of an electronic apex locator in teeth with simulated apical root resorption.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of Root ZX apex locator to determine the working length in teeth with simulated apical root resorption. Fifty extracted, single-rooted, human teeth with mature apices were used in this study. An irregular cavity defect was drilled at the apex of each tooth simulating an apical root resorption.