Efficacy of dental unit disinfectants against Candida spp. and Hartmannella vermiformis.

Human oral commensal Candida yeasts, as well as environmental free-living amoebae (FLA) such as Hartmannella, are known to be direct or indirect human pathogens. These microorganisms may be isolated from dental unit waterlines (DUWL), because of contamination coming from the tap water and/or a patient's mouth. This study compared the efficacy of commonly used DUWL disinfectants (chlorine, H2 O2 , and Oxygenal 6©) against three species of Candida (C.

Are dentists enough aware of infectious risk associated with dental unit waterlines ?

Environmental conditions in DU encourage biofilm development. This biofilm may represent a risk for patients and dental staff exposed to water and aerosols generated during dental cares, particularly for immunocompromised persons. A survey was conducted on the 175 dental surgeons of the department of Vienne (France) to investigate the motivations of dental practitioners to renew their DU, their awareness levels with respect to infectious risks related to water circulating within DU, and methods used for the maintenance of DU waterlines.

Hartmannella vermiformis can promote proliferation of Candida spp. in tap-water.

Candida yeasts colonize humans' oral cavities as commensals or opportunistic pathogens. They may be isolated from water circulating in dental unit waterlines mixed with saliva traces mainly because of dysfunction of anti-retraction valves. Free-living amoebae (FLA), like Hartmannella vermiformis, are frequently found in aquatic environments and they have also been already isolated from dental unit waterlines.

Update on infectious risks associated with dental unit waterlines.

Modern dental chair units consist of a network of interconnected narrow-bore plastic tubes called dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). The water delivered by these DUWLs acts as both a coolant for a range of instruments and an irrigant during dental treatments. The quality of water is of considerable importance because both patients and dental team are regularly exposed to water and aerosols generated by dental equipment.

Saliva promotes survival and even proliferation of Candida species in tap water.

Candida yeasts colonize the human oral cavity as commensals or opportunistic pathogens. They may be isolated from water circulating in dental unit waterlines mixed with traces of saliva mainly because of the dysfunction of antiretraction valves. This study deals with the growth ability of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis in tap water with saliva (0-20% v/v).