Potential for nosocomial transmission of Enterococcus faecalis from surfaces in dental operatories

Abstract

The origin of E. faecalis in secondary root canal infections remains unclear, as the potential for nosocomial transmission of enterococci from environmental surfaces in dental surgeries appears to be very small. The incorrect or ineffective disinfection procedures in general dentistry clinics needs to be addressed to counteract the risk for bacterial transmission in dental operatories.

Comparison of genotypes, antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles of oral and non oral Enterococcus faecalis from Brazil, Japan and the United Kingdom

“…Also, the possibility of nosocomial transmission in dental clinics was highlighted due to the robust nature of the microorganisms, which have been shown to resist desiccation for months (21). It was concluded that the potential for nosocomial transmission of enterococci from environmental surfaces in dental surgeries although small, required further investigation (13).…”

“…Zehnder & Guggenheim, 2009 (12), proposed foodborne transmission, but evidence for this could not be provided in the study of Vidana et al 2016 (1) where a large number of oral and food isolates were profiled. In a separate study, the same research group concluded that whilst the potential for nosocomial transmission of enterococci from environmental surfaces in dental surgeries appeared small, further investigation of this was warranted (13).…”

The origin of endodontic Enterococcus faecalis explored by comparison of virulence factor patterns and antibiotic resistance to that of isolates from stool samples, blood cultures and food

“…The long‐standing concept that root canal infections with enterococci are endogenously acquired from the commensal flora has therefore been questioned, and it also seems unlikely that endodontic isolates, in analogy to hospital settings, are nosocomially transmitted from clinical high‐touch surfaces during a root canal treatment (Vidana et al . , ). The high prevalence in endodontic secondary infections and the true origin of endodontic E. faecalis thus remain unexplained.…”

In mixed biofilms Enterococcus faecalis benefits from a calcium hydroxide challenge and culturing

“…), it was also stated recently that the potential for nosocomial transmission of enterococci during the course of a root canal treatment appears to be negligible (Vidana et al . ). A narrative review by Zehnder & Guggenheim () concluded that E. faecalis was not among the early invaders of the necrotising root canal system and that E. faecalis bacteria are probably transient, originating in food.…”

“…Speculation about the origins of E. faecalis in secondary infections ranges from the presence of undetectable levels of E. faecalis in primary infections, the contamination of the root canal system with E. faecalis during or after root canal treatment (Penas et al 2013), to anachoresis. Although no proof has been found for an endogenous source of E. faecalis (Vidana et al 2011, Penas et al 2015, it was also stated recently that the potential for nosocomial transmission of enterococci during the course of a root canal treatment appears to be negligible (Vidana et al 2015). A narrative review by Zehnder & Guggenheim (2009) concluded that E. faecalis was not among the early invaders of the necrotising root canal system and that E. faecalis bacteria are probably transient, originating in food.…”