GMS Hygiene and Infection Control最新文献

Introduction: The regeneration of oral tissues, including periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, and soft tissues, remains a major challenge in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. Traditional approaches, such as grafting and guided tissue regeneration, are limited by donor site morbidity, immune responses, and surgical complexities. Injectable hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials due to their ability to deliver cells, growth factors, and bioactive molecules directly to injury sites in a minimally invasive manner. Their adjustable properties and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix make them ideal for promoting tissue repair and regeneration. This review evaluates the literature on injectable hydrogels in oral tissue regeneration, with a focus on their composition, mechanism of action, and clinical applications.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2024, following PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Thirty (30) studies met the inclusion criteria, with five selected for detailed analysis. The findings highlight the regenerative potential of hydrogels composed of natural polymers, e.g., collagen, alginate, and hyaluronic acid, synthetic polymers, e.g., polyethylene glycol PEG, and polycaprolactone, as well as poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid. Advanced hydrogel formulations, including self-healing, thermosensitive, and bioactive hydrogels, demonstrate enhanced biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and controlled drug delivery.

Conclusion: Despite their potential, challenges such as long-term stability, clinical translation, and standardization in hydrogel formulations remain. Further research is required to optimize hydrogel-based therapies for widespread clinical use in oral and periodontal tissue regeneration.

Introduction: Fusobacterium (F.) nucleatum, a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, has been implicated in both periodontal disease and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This review aims to evaluate the levels of F. nucleatum in patients with periodontal disease and OSCC, exploring its potential role in the pathogenesis.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, identifying studies that measured F. nucleatum levels in periodontal disease and OSCC tissues.

Results: A higher prevalence of F. nucleatum exists in both periodontal disease and OSCC tissues compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion: It appears that there is a link between infection with F. nucleatum and the development of these oral diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association and to explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting F. nucleatum.

Aim: Washing is a multistep process and a critical step in the sterilization of reusable instruments used in surgery. The complexity of the design of some types of instruments, such as those with a lumen, is a major challenge, both in terms of cleaning and of checking their cleanliness.The aim of this study was to validate a new approach to compare washing methods of reusable instruments with internal lumen. This approach was then tested to compare six methods for washing reamers.

Methods: The proposed method was based on detection by Soiltest^®, a commercially available soiling test, using ninhydrin in a spectrophotometric approach at 570 nm. To increase the sampling yield of conventional swabbing, we used new wash brushes for each sampling.

Results: Soiltest^® results were linearly quantified with a quantitative and reproducible method. The equation of calibration curve was Y=0.2043X-0.03489, the coefficient of determination was 0.9926, and the slope was significantly different from zero (p<0.0001, F-test). The optimal cleaning method for reamers was a combination of chemical detergents, manual cleaning ensuring that no obstruction is present in the instrument, and mechanical washing in a washer-disinfector with a system of continuous irrigation of the lumen of the instrument.

Conclusion: This study validated a new approach to evaluate the cleanliness of critical reusable surgical instruments with lumen based on the detection of protein residues using Soiltest^®, by means of a colorimetric method using ninhydrin.

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health. Improper use of antibiotics can potentially lead to previously curable infections becoming unmanageable. Rampant unnecessary use of antibiotics is a serious problem within developing countries like Pakistan, and dental practices can often be traced as a major cause. Through the widespread implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP), medical and dental practitioners can be guided to appropriate prescribing practices and better patient education.

Objective: To gauge current antimicrobial prescribing practices of dentists and their engagement with ASPs.

Methods: 13 dental practitioners were interviewed using a semi-structured interview template. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis. The subjects were selected from various dental hospitals within Punjab, using a convenient sampling approach. The sample size was based on the point of saturation of emerging themes.

Results: Many factors were highlighted as causative for the current state of misinformation regarding antibiotic prescription practices among dental practitioners and patients. Awareness regarding ASP was severely lacking; however, most participants showed a positive perception regarding ASP and their impact. Institutional support and the need for implementation of such programs within the educational curriculum were noted as important steps for ASP implementation within dental hospitals of Pakistan.

Conclusion: This study found that knowledge regarding ASP was insufficient among dental practitioners, owing to a lack of institutional policies and awareness among the practitioners. The outcome of the lack of these programs and misinformation among both patients and dentists is widely contributing to the current state of antibiotic resistance in Pakistan.

Aim: To present the first known case of Nocardia (N.) wallacei infection in Cyprus.

Method: This case report describes the first known N. wallacei infection in Cyprus, diagnosed in a 77-year-old man with underlying pulmonary disease, along with the diagnostic workup and treatment.

Discussion: N. wallacei is a rare subtype of Nocardia spp. with about 14 cases reported in literature. It equally affects immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent patients, causing both pulmonary and extrapulmonary symptoms (CNS, skin). First-line treatment includes trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), but there are trends of global resistance.

Conclusion: N. wallacei has rarely been reported as a cause of infection and this is the first known case reported in Cyprus.

Introduction: Frenectomy is a routine oral surgical procedure performed to excise an abnormal frenum attachment in order to enhance oral function and esthetics. Diode laser has become more popular than conventional scalpel methods, due to promises of decreased postoperative pain, less bleeding, and quicker healing.

Materials and methods: This review compares the effectiveness of diode laser-assisted frenectomy in relation to tissue healing, patient discomfort, and clinical outcomes in comparison to scalpel frenectomy. Pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies were examined.

Results: The results indicate that diode laser frenectomy is associated with less intraoperative bleeding and pain, and with similar long-term healing rates.

Purpose: Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) cause significant morbidity and mortality. Central line (CL) bundles for the prevention of CLABSI are very effective, but there is a paucity of research concerning this in Pediatric Surgery Intensive Care Units (PSICU). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CLB including PFS and mechanical valve type NFC in a pediatric surgery intensive care unit.

Materials and methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, the CLABSI rate was compared before and after the introduction of a CL bundle including mechanical valve-type needle-free connectors and prefilled flushing syringes.

Results: Throughout the research period, a total of 1,092 patients were hospitalized at the PSICU and a total of 142 patients (13.0%) with central venous catheter (CVC) was included. During the pre-bundle period, 6 CLABSIs were diagnosed in 509 CVC days, with an overall rate of 11.79 CLABSIs per 1,000 CVC days. After the implementation of the bundle, 1 CLABSI was diagnosed in 621 CVC days with an overall rate of 1.61 CLABSIs per 1,000 CVC days. The CLABSI rate was thus significantly lower rate in the bundle period (p=0.03).

Conclusion: Because the CVC bundle including mechanical valve-type needle-free connectors and prefilled flushing syringes significantly reduced the CLABSI rates in the PSICU, it should be implemented in pediatric surgical ICUs as well as ICUs for other patient groups.

Introduction: Cleaning and reduction of microbial load on the skin is necessary before injections because of the colonization of the skin with resident flora and the presence of transient flora. Even after optimal skin antisepsis, there is a risk of infection, albeit a very low one. The World Health Organisation (WHO) based on a systematic review on the infection risk after injections and skin antisepsis, does not recommend, alcohol-based skin antisepsis as being necessary before intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections and that washing the skin with soap and water alone is sufficient. As there is no clear evidence for the benefit of using alcohol over soap washing prior to injection, this study compared the efficacy of alcohol and soap on volunteers.

Method: Liquid washing emulsion or potash soap (Sapo Kalinus, German Pharmacopoeia) or propan-2-ol 70%v/v, was applied to test areas on the upper arms of 23 volunteers. To test the soap, in trial 1 after 15-second swabbing, and a further 15 seconds of air-drying, the swabbed areas were rinsed, dabbed dry, and microbiological samples taken with sterile swabs. In trial 2, after 15 seconds of swabbing, samples were taken in the same manner. The comparator alcohol was rubbed in for 15 seconds in trial 1 and for 30 seconds in trial 2 without rinsing. Swabs were transferred into tryptic soy broth and suspensions plated onto agar.

Results: The reduction of bacteria was around 1x lg and did not differ significantly between the soaps and propan-2-ol. There was also no difference when comparing the two trials.

Discussion: One reason for the equivalent efficacy of both methods is probably the low colonization density of the skin of the arms.

Conclusion: Both methods are acceptable for legal reasons. However, if no live vaccines are applied, alcohol-based antiseptics are preferable because they are more user-friendly.

Surface disinfection remains a cornerstone of infection prevention across healthcare, commercial, and residential settings. While chemical disinfectants especially quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) have long been standard, growing concerns regarding toxicity, environmental persistence, and inconsistent application have highlighted the need for safer, more reliable alternatives. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light offers a non-chemical, residue-free method of pathogen inactivation, but the performance of commercially available UV-C devices varies widely due to differences in design, output, and user reliance. This review evaluates the current spectrum of UV-C disinfection technologies - including handheld wands, mobile robots, static enclosures, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)-integrated systems, and ceiling-mounted units - emphasizing their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases. Among these, the UVCeed mobile UV-C disinfection device emerges as a next-generation solution, leveraging artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and automated dosing to deliver hospital-grade pathogen reduction with unmatched portability, safety, and ease of use. Independently validated to achieve >6-lg reductions of bacterial pathogens and >4-lg reductions of viral surrogates in under one minute. UVCeed offers a scalable, cost-effective, and intelligent alternative to traditional disinfection tools. This paper positions UVCeed as the benchmark for modern, accessible, and effective surface decontamination in an increasingly hygiene-conscious world.

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) remains the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge due to altered vaginal flora with decreased Lactobacillus spp. and increased anaerobic bacteria. The objectives of this study were to establish the prevalence of BV and its risk factors among women of reproductive age.

Method: This cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 220 non-pregnant women of reproductive age attending Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Plateau state, north central Nigeria, between August 2021 and January 2022, in which 110 women were asymptomatic, and 110 women were symptomatic. Self-administered questionnaires were used to identify the sociodemographic status and predisposing factors of the participants. Positive BV diagnosis was made using the Nugent scoring system and bacterial species were identified on selective media. A descriptive analysis was performed using the Chi-squared test at a 95% confidence interval to determine the prevalence of BV and its associated risk factors.

Results: The overall BV prevalence was 33.6%. BV was higher in symptomatic women (39.1%) than in asymptomatic women (28.2%). No correlation was found between BV and demography, knowledge, or health behaviour, including age, education, marital status, number of children, occupation, income, alcohol, tobacco smoking, or sexual as well as hygienic behaviour (p≥0.05). A total of 328 bacterial isolates from 16 species were identified, with Enterococcus (E.) faecalis being the most prevalent species, accounting for 39.3% of the total isolates. Other species isolated include Staphylococcus (S.) saprophyticus (13.6%), S. epidermidis (13.0%), S. aureus (4.7%), Streptococcus (Sr.) agalactiae (5.9%), Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae (4.1%), Proteus (P.) mirabilis (2.4%), and Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa (3.6%) in the symptomatic group. S. saprophyticus (10,7%), S. aureus (3.8%), K. pneumoniae (2.5%), and P. aeruginosa (1.9%) were isolated in the asymptomatic group. P. mirabilis was not detected. Lactobacillus spp. were present but not dominant, with an overall prevalence of 8.2%.

Conclusion: The observed diversity in vaginal microbiota, particularly the higher prevalence of E. faecalis in asymptomatic women, suggests the complexity of microbial interactions. The low prevalence of Lactobacillus spp. indicates a potential risk for infections, while the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as S. saprophyticus and Streptococcus agalactiae underscores the need for further research. Overall, the understanding of the vaginal microbiome is crucial for developing effective healthcare interventions for managing BV.