Oral Candida and nasal Aspergillus flora in a group of Saudi healthy dentate subjects.

UNLABELLED: The prevalence of oral candidal carriage is widely variable in different populations but has never been studied previously in a Saudi population. Nasal mycological flora has never been investigated previously in a healthy population. OBJECTIVES: To assess the oral and nasal candidal and Aspergillus flora in a group of Saudi healthy adult dentate subjects. DESIGN: The concentrated oral rinse technique and nasal swab technique were used to sample the oral and nasal cavity respectively. RESULTS: Candida species were isolated from the oral cavity of 52 (52%) subjects. Candida albicans constituted 80.8% of the isolates, followed by C. krusei (5.8%). Aspergillus species were isolated from the nose of 21 (21%) subjects. A. flavus constituted 42.3% of the isolates followed by A. niger (31.8%) and A. fumigatus (26.9%). Subjects who did not brush their teeth had a significantly higher rate of oral Candida and nasal Aspergillus compared with those who brushed regularly (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Oral mycological flora in the Saudi population is not different than reported for other populations. Lack of oral hygiene increases oral candidal colonisation. Larger scale studies are encouraged to determine the prevalence of oral candidal carriage in the population generally, and the significance of nasal Aspergillus carriage should be determined.

Cross infection in the high-touch areas of dental radiology clinics.

Disinfection and sterilization have received considerable attention due to the spread of AIDS and HIV. Several infections hazards to the patient and personnel of dental surgery have been identified from blood, saliva and water of dental unit. The high touch areas of dental x-ray equipment is a potential source of infection. The present study was undertaken to determine the extent of cross-infection present in the dental radiology clinics with and without the use of surface disinfectants. Swabs taken from high touch areas of the x-ray equipment in 15 different sessions with in one month were cultured in three different media. The study revealed, almost all high touch areas in dental radiology clinic had bacterial contamination in the absence of surface disinfection. "Webcol" and "Superficid" disinfectants showed minimum or no contamination. To remove risk of cross-infection, disinfection of high-touch areas of dental x-ray equipment is mandatory.

Effect of aqueous extract of miswak on the in vitro growth of Candida albicans.

Chewing sticks (miswak) which are the roots of Salvadora persica plant have been used for centuries as oral hygiene tools in many parts of the world particularly in Saudi Arabia. Many studies have demonstrated the antiplaque, antiperiopathic, anticaries and antibacterial effect of these sticks. This study was designed to investigate the antimycotic effect, if any, of the aqueous extract of the plant roots. Various concentrations of aqueous extract of miswak prepared with Sabouraud medium were inoculated with Candida albicans (oral isolate). These were incubated at 37 degrees C and the turbidity was determined by OD at 600 nm wavelength measured at specific intervals over a period of 48 h. Data show that the extract at a concentration of 15% and above, has a fungistatic effect for up to 48 h. This antimycotic effect was probably due to one or more of the root contents which included chlorine, trimethylamine, and alkaloid resin, and sulphur compounds.

The immediate- and medium-term effects of Meswak on the composition of mixed saliva.

Chewing sticks or Meswaks are used for teeth cleaning in many parts of the world. They contain substances that may reduce caries and periodontal disease. The present study consisted of 2 parts. In a short-term experiment, volunteers chewed on an inert eliciting agent (pyrogen-free rubber) and then a piece of Meswak, each for 5 min. For the medium-term experiment, volunteers brushed with either Meswak or a conventional toothbrush 5 x a day for 2 weeks. Saliva produced immediately after chewing Meswak showed statistically significant increases in calcium and chloride, but decreases in phosphate and pH as compared with controls. In the medium-term experiment, saliva samples collected 4 h after the last use of Meswak or toothbrush showed no significant differences in any of the components examined (calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, IgA, IgG, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate transaminase). Gingival and plaque indices, however, were significantly lower after brushing with Meswak. Salivary calcium promotes mineralization of tooth enamel and chloride inhibits calculus formation. Our results thus indicate that Meswak releases substances into saliva that could improve oral health. Calcium and chloride values were similar to those of controls after 4 h and thus frequent use of Meswak may be necessary to maintain a favorable salivary environment.

Cross-infection in the dental profession. Dental instruments sterilization: assessment. 1.

In dentistry, and as a part of the health profession, cross-infection is a professional hazard. The infection can be transmitted by instruments, dental personnel or by patients. Dental instrument sterilization is a vital procedure to reduce the chance of cross-infection in the dental profession. Part I of this study is to assess the dental instruments sterilization at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Random samples were taken from the CSSD for this purpose. No bacterial growth was detected.

Positive typing of Candida using fluorescent microscopy.

A pilot study was carried out to identify three species of candida using the 10 second staining technique with fluorescent dyes. Based on the morphology and the internal characteristics, a positive identification of each species was possible.