Week 8 Dental Unit Water Asepsis

Question 1

Types of Microorganisms in Dental Unit Water

Answer 1

Pseudomonas- exist in soil and natural waters, can even be found in distilled water
• can cause oral infections in immunocompromised clients
• P. cepacia- respiratory pathogen in those w cystic fibrosis
• P. aeruginosa- causes urinary tract infections, pneumonia

Legionella - naturally occur in water; somewhat resistant to chlorine; gram negative
• CaUses LEGIONNARIES DISEASE (a type of pneumonia)

Nontuberculous Mycobacterium-somewhat resistant to chemical killing
• Has been found in dialyzers (for kidney dialysis)

Question 2

Other bacteria

Answer 2

• Acinetobacter
• Alcaligenes
• Klebsiella
• Serratia
• Are all gram- negative opportunistic pathogens
• May cause harmful infections in compromised hosts
• ENDOTOXIN: is a component of the cell walls of gram(-) bacteria
• Can cause inflammation and shock

Question 3

Nature and Formation of
Biofilm

Answer 3

Biofilm is defined as a mass of microorganisms attached to a surface exposed to moisture.
Water becomes highly contaminated when inside the dental unit.
This contamination comes from biofilm that forms on the inside of the dental unit -water lines.