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Effect of Different Disinfection Protocols on Microbial and Biofilm Contamination of Dental Unit Waterlines in Community Dental Practices

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Dallolio

    (Unit of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, via S. Giacomo 12, Bologna 40126, Italy)

  • Amalia Scuderi

    (Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Residencial Services, Bologna Local Health Authority, Bellaria Hospital, via Altura 3, Bologna 40139, Italy)

  • Maria S. Rini

    (Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Residencial Services, Bologna Local Health Authority, Bellaria Hospital, via Altura 3, Bologna 40139, Italy)

  • Sabrina Valente

    (Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, Bologna 40138, Italy)

  • Patrizia Farruggia

    (Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Residencial Services, Bologna Local Health Authority, Bellaria Hospital, via Altura 3, Bologna 40139, Italy)

  • Maria A. Bucci Sabattini

    (Bologna Provincial Division, Agency for Environmental Protection and Health Prevention in Emilia-Romagna, via Triachini 17, Bologna 40138, Italy)

  • Gianandrea Pasquinelli

    (Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, Bologna 40138, Italy)

  • Anna Acacci

    (Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Residencial Services, Bologna Local Health Authority, Bellaria Hospital, via Altura 3, Bologna 40139, Italy)

  • Greta Roncarati

    (Unit of Hygiene and Quality of Residencial Services, Bologna Local Health Authority, Bellaria Hospital, via Altura 3, Bologna 40139, Italy)

  • Erica Leoni

    (Unit of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, via S. Giacomo 12, Bologna 40126, Italy)

Abstract

Output water from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) may be a potential source of infection for both dental healthcare staff and patients. This study compared the efficacy of different disinfection methods with regard to the water quality and the presence of biofilm in DUWLs. Five dental units operating in a public dental health care setting were selected. The control dental unit had no disinfection system; two were disinfected intermittently with peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide 0.26% and two underwent continuous disinfection with hydrogen peroxide/silver ions (0.02%) and stabilized chlorine dioxide (0.22%), respectively. After three months of applying the disinfection protocols, continuous disinfection systems were more effective than intermittent systems in reducing the microbial contamination of the water, allowing compliance with the CDC guidelines and the European Council regulatory thresholds for drinking water. P. aeruginosa , Legionella spp, sulphite-reducing Clostridium spores, S. aureus and β-haemolytic streptococci were also absent from units treated with continuous disinfection. The biofilm covering the DUWLs was more extensive, thicker and more friable in the intermittent disinfection dental units than in those with continuous disinfection. Overall, the findings showed that the products used for continuous disinfection of dental unit waterlines showed statistically better results than the intermittent treatment products under the study conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Dallolio & Amalia Scuderi & Maria S. Rini & Sabrina Valente & Patrizia Farruggia & Maria A. Bucci Sabattini & Gianandrea Pasquinelli & Anna Acacci & Greta Roncarati & Erica Leoni, 2014. "Effect of Different Disinfection Protocols on Microbial and Biofilm Contamination of Dental Unit Waterlines in Community Dental Practices," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:2:p:2064-2076:d:33021
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Erica Leoni & Federica Catalani & Sofia Marini & Laura Dallolio, 2018. "Legionellosis Associated with Recreational Waters: A Systematic Review of Cases and Outbreaks in Swimming Pools, Spa Pools, and Similar Environments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-19, July.
    2. Savina Ditommaso & Monica Giacomuzzi & Elisa Ricciardi & Carla M. Zotti, 2016. "Efficacy of a Low Dose of Hydrogen Peroxide (Peroxy Ag + ) for Continuous Treatment of Dental Unit Water Lines: Challenge Test with Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 in a Simulated Dental Unit Waterl," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-10, July.
    3. Erica Leoni & Laura Dallolio & Francesca Stagni & Tiziana Sanna & Giovanni D'Alessandro & Gabriela Piana, 2015. "Impact of a Risk Management Plan on Legionella Contamination of Dental Unit Water," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-15, February.
    4. Maria Antoniadou & Anestis Intzes & Christos Kladouchas & Iliana Christou & Stavroula Chatzigeorgiou & Martha Plexida & Valantis Stefanidakis & Ioannis Tzoutzas, 2023. "Factors Affecting Water Quality and Sustainability in Dental Practices in Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-23, June.

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