RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The colonization of the surfaces of dental prostheses by Candida albicans is associated with the development of denture stomatitis. In this context, the use of fluconazole has been proposed, but its disadvantage is microbial resistance. Meanwhile, the oil of Allium sativum has shown an effect in controlling biofilm formation by C. albicans. AIMS: The objective of this study was to determine the antifungal activities of the essential oil of A. sativum and fluconazole against clinical isolates of Candida species obtained from rigid, acrylic-based partial or total dentures and to compare these agents' effects on both biofilm and planktonic cells. METHODS: A total of 48 clinical isolates obtained from the acrylic surface of partial or complete dentures were examined, and the following species were identified: C. albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei. For each isolate, the antifungal activities of the essential oil of A. sativum and fluconazole against both biofilm and planktonic cells were evaluated using the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3 method. The isolates were also evaluated by semiquantitative XTT reduction. RESULTS: All planktonic Candida isolates were susceptible to the essential oil of A. sativum, whereas 4.2% were resistant to fluconazole. Regarding susceptibilities in biofilms, 43.8% of biofilms were resistant to A. sativum oil, and 91.7% were resistant to fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS: All planktonic cells of the different Candida species tested are susceptible to <1mg/ml A. sativum oil, and the majority are susceptible to fluconazole. Susceptibility decreases in biofilm cells, with increased resistance to fluconazole compared with A. sativum oil. The essential oil of A. sativum is thus active against clinical isolates of Candida species obtained from dentures, with effects on both biofilm and planktonic cells in vitro.
RESUMO
The purpose of the study was to analyze the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in dental students with occupational risk factors and a genetic trait (NKG2C gene deletion). Study design: Case-control study. 176 students were included and divided in two groups according to CMV serological results: those with CMV infection (case group) and those without prior infection (control group). Demographic, occupational, and the presence of NKG2C gene deletion were compared between both groups. Results: The presence of CMV IgG antibodies was detected in 104 (59.1 percent) students (case group) while 72 (40.9 percent) students were CMV negative (control group). The frequency of patient contact, the use of protective barriers, and the number of reported accidents was compared between the study groups; no significant differences were noted. The appropriate use of infection-control measures was observed in the majority of students in both study groups. In the case group the frequency of NKG2C deletion was 9.7 percent compared to 5.6 percent in the control group (p=0.33). Conclusion: No association between the presence of CMV infection with occupational and genetic risk factors was found in this population. Dentists should be aware of the CMV prevalence and risks factors associated to this infection, particularly among child-bearing age dentist women...
El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación entre la infección por citomegalovirus (CMV) en estudiantes de odontología con factores de riesgo ocupacionales y un polimorfismo genético (deleción del gen NKG2C). Diseño del Estudio: Estudio de casos y controles. 176 estudiantes fueron incluidos y divididos en dos grupos de acuerdo al resultado serológico para CMV: aquellos con la infección por CMV (grupo de casos) y aquellos que no presentaron infección por CMV (grupo control). Las características demográficas, ocupacionales y la presencia de la deleción del gen NKG2C fueron comparadas entre ambos grupos. Resultados: La presencia de anticuerpos IgG de CMV fue detectada en 104 (59.1 por ciento) estudiantes (grupo de casos) mientras que 72 (40.9 por ciento) estudiantes fueron negativos a CMV (grupo control). Se comparó la frecuencia de contacto con el paciente, el uso de barreras protectoras y el número de accidentes ocupacionales reportados entre los grupos de estudio. No fueron detectadas diferencias significativas. El uso apropiado de las medidas de control de infección fue observado en la mayoría de los estudiantes de ambos grupos. En el grupo de casos la frecuencia de la deleción de NKG2C observada fue de 9.7 por ciento comparada con un 5.6 por ciento en el grupo control (p=0.33). Conclusión: No se encontró asociación entre la infección por CMV con los factores de riesgo ocupacionales y genéticos de esta población. Los dentistas deben conocer la frecuencia de la infección por CMV, así como los factores de riesgo asociados, particularmente las mujeres odontólogas en edad fértil...