MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF IN-USE TOOTHBRUSHES AND THEIR DECONTAMINATION USING DISINFECTION: A HOSPITAL BASED PILOT STUDY
- 1. MBBS - Third year student, Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India.
- 2. Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Shri Balaji Institute of Medical Science Raipur (Chhattisgarh), India.
- 3. Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Shri Balaji Institute of Medical Science Raipur (Chhattisgarh), India.
- 4. Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India.
- 5. Professor, Department of Microbiology, Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India.
Description
Introduction and Aim: Purpose of this study is to sensitize healthcare givers about the significance of toothbrush acting as fomites and this study aimed at highlighting importance of disinfecting in-use toothbrushes.
Material and Method: This was a randomized control trial involving 30 patients. 15 were given distilled water and 15 were given 70% ethyl alcohol for disinfecting in-use toothbrushes, which were then microbiologically tested after 7 days of use.
Results: Finding of this study showed 70% alcohol was highly effective in decontaminating used toothbrushes.
Conclusion: In-use toothbrushes become highly contaminated after use and can act as fomites for transmitting infections. Thus, proper instructions for use of toothbrushes should be given to patients and public.
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