Evaluation of potential sources of nosocomial infection in endodontic practice: a hygienic study

Abstract

Aim: This hygienic study assesses the microbial contamination of objects commonly used in a clinic during routine endodontic procedures. Methods: Samples were collected from clinical surfaces and instruments. Microbial colonies were cultured on agar, enumerated, and identified phenotypically, including assessment of antibiotic resistance. Results and conclusions: Findings revealed that the majority of objects in routine endodontic practice are predominantly contaminated by skin-derived Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus, which frequently exhibit antibiotic resistance, whilst Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is also a frequent contaminant, particularly in DUWL. Other items, including rubber dam sheets, gloves, paper points, and paper mixing pads, showed detectable microbial contamination. These results highlight the presence of potentially nosocomial microorganisms on routine endodontic surfaces, emphasising the importance of appropriate hygiene measures in endodontic practice.