Microbial Contamination of the Mouth Masks Used By PostGraduate Students in a Private Dental Institution: An In-Vitro Study
Journal Title: IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) - Year 2017, Vol 16, Issue 5
Abstract
Background and Aim: Mouth mask is an essential infection control barrier used by the Dental health care professionals to prevent the Bioaerosols produced in the Dental Setup which are hazardous and a potent source of cross-contamination. This study aims at assessing, identifying and comparing the microbial contamination of the mouth masks used by post-graduate students of different departments in a Dental Institution. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire on 36 post-graduate students from 9 departments of a private Dental Institution, and the samples of used mouth masks were obtained from them. The in-vitro analysis involved inoculation of a section of mouth mask from the external and internal surfaces in an enrichment media for isolation of bacteria and successive isolation by spread plate method on selective and non-selective media. Screening for Candida species was done by contact method on Candida agar.. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal - Wallis Test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The external surfaces presented maximum bacterial load with the mean value of 31.7 x 102 cfu/ml (Department of Endodontics) and maximum mean value of 22.8 x 102 cfu/ml for internal surfaces (Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology) among all the departments. The fungal isolates (6 %) included strains of Candida species. The presence of other fungal organisms like Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp, Cladosporium spp and Alternaria spp indicates air borne contamination. Conclusion: The study proves that Mouth mask is a major source of contamination and Nosocomial infections and following a proper infection control protocol is necessary.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. MONALISA, Dr. ARUNA C. N, Dr. PADMA K BHAT, Dr. MANJUNATH K, HEMAVATHY E, VARSHA D
Keywords
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- EP ID EP597289
- DOI 10.9790/0853-1605046167.
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