Abstract

MOBIN, Mitra et al. Analysis of fungal contamination and disinfection of toothbrushes. Acta odontol. latinoam. [online]. 2011, vol.24, n.1, pp.86-91. ISSN 1852-4834.

The aim of this study is to determine the fungal species in the toothbrushes of residents of a neighborhood on the east side of Teresina - PI, and to assess the efficiency of a disinfection method based on 2% sodium hypochlorite. Fifty toothbrushes were divided into two groups: group A comprised 30 toothbrushes used by the residents and group B (control group) 20 new toothbrushes. Fungal evaluation was conducted in Sabouraud culture medium containing chloramphenicol and CHROMagarTM Candida. Later, group A was divided into two subgroups (A1 and A2), which were submitted to disinfection by immersion in 2% sodium hypochlorite and once again screened for the presence of fungi. Seventeen fungal species were identified in group A before the disinfection. Fungal growth was not observed in subgroups A1 and A2, or group B after disinfection. All fungal species isolated from the toothbrushes were considered opportunistic and may cause health problems mainly in immunocompromised patients. The species most frequently found were: Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Geotrichum candidum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosporium oxysporum. Fungal growth did not occur after toothbrush disinfection with 2% sodium hypochlorite, suggesting this is an efficient, low-cost method that can therefore be used by low income populations.

Keywords : Toothbrushing; Fungi; Disinfection.

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