The current review focuses on the studies conducted on the colonization of microorganisms on orthodontic ligatures during orthodontic treatment. The fixed orthodontic appliances have long been associated with an increase in plaque accumulation, bacterial colonization, and resultant enamel decalcification. Voluminous research has been carried out on the microbial colonization of even newer orthodontic materials such as elastomeric ligatures with an evidence of variably increased microbial counts during orthodontic treatment. However, conclusive material-based data for minimal microbial colonization to establish acceptance criteria for the use of elastomeric ligatures are hardly available. Thus, there is a need for further studies with dual emphasis on exploring microbial associations based on surface chemistries of different elastomers and their requisite modifications for hampering microbial biofilms to evolve efficacious oral health friendly orthodontic ligatures.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundBesides, other factors, the choice of materials used as orthodontic ligatures could be one of the many tools to counter the effects of microbial adhesion, that culminates into dental ailments. Therefore, we assessed bacterial adhesion on elastomeric ligatures with special reference to coloured elastomeric rings during orthodontic treatment.Material and MethodsA split mouth study, involving 240 samples of different elastomeric ligatures from forty orthodontic patients possessing good oral hygiene was carried out. The archwire was ligated to the brackets on both arches with elastomeric rings (superslick, clear transparent , blue and pink) at predetermined quadrants. After six weeks, ligatures from second premolars were removed and processed for bacterial enumeration using standard techniques. Bacterial counts were also determined for stimulated saliva samples taken at 0 and 6 weeks.ResultsA statistically significant difference in bacterial counts was obtained amongst different elastomeric modules used. Maximum bacterial counts were found on conventional pigmented elastomeric modules, followed by Superslick module and clear module. More number of bacteria associated with the conventional pink as compared to the conventional blue pigmented modules, however it was not statistically significant. The three bacterial genera Streptococcus Staphylococcus and Aerobic Lactobacilli adhered to elastomeric modules in following predominant pattern i.e. Conventional pink>Conventional Blue>Superslick>Clear.ConclusionsThe studies evidenced colour and material dependent bacterial colonization on orthodontic modules and could be an indicator of bacterial biofilm forming potential based on surface chemistries and a clinically efficacious tool to redesign conventional and modified elastomeric rings as orthodontic ligation accessories. Key words:Bacterial colonization, biofilm, coloured elastomers, orthodontic ligatures.

ABSTRACT:This study was performed on culture and sensitivity of 6,951 urine samples, received in the Department of Microbiology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana from out patients and in patients having urinary tract infection (UTI ).A total of 2,276 samples were found out to be culture positive, out of which 1,727 samples yielded gram negative organisms. Various isolates included 1,237 Escherichia coli (E. coli), 262 Klebsiella pneumoniae,47 Acinetobacter lwoffi, 39 Proteus mirabilis,39 Enterobacter aerogenes and 03 Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production was studied in multidrug resistant E. coli. And Klebsiella pneumoniae, out of which 28.29% E.coli and 30.53% Klebsiella pneumoniae yielded positive results. Our results suggest that the physician should be aware of high prevalence of ESBL producing E.coli and Klebsiella pneumonia which are the two common uropathogens, and should plan their therapy regime accordingly.However, Acinetobacter species were mainly associated with nosocomial UTI whereas Enterobacter species were isolated mostly from out patients. Various uropathogens causing community acquired as well as nosocomial UTI showed poor response to cephalexin whereas resistant strains from both types of UTI exhibited good susceptibility to piperacillin/tazobactum combination.

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