치과 방사선 촬영장비의 고접촉 부위 표면 미생물 오염도 및 정량적 분석

Analysis and Quantification of Microbial Contamination on High-Touch Surfaces of Dental Radiographic Equipment

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the surface contamination status of dental panoramic equipment and to investigate the types, quantities, and characteristics of the microorganisms present. Methods: Using 3M pipette swabs (BPW, 3M, Korea), samples were collected from the surfaces of patient handles, chin rests, and head supports of panoramic equipment in five dental clinics. The samples were cultured for 24 hours and observed on agar media for 48 hours. The types and quantities of bacteria were subsequently analyzed. Results: Based on colony-forming units (CFUs) counts, the highest levels of bacterial contamination were observed on the patient handles, followed by the chin rests and head supports. PCR identification revealed the presence of five bacterial species belonging to the Bacillaceae family: Bacillus paralicheniformis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus wiedmannii, and Bacillus subtilis. Additionally, Staphylococcus hominis from the Staphylococcaceae family and Rummeliibacillus pycnus from the Planococcaceae family were identified. Conclusions: The findings of this study confirmed the presence of various bacterial contaminants on dental panoramic equipment. These results suggest that the study may serve as foundational data for establishing infection control guidelines for radiographic equipment and radiology rooms in dental clinics.