Characterization Of Biocides Resistant Isolates From Dental Unit Water Line Biofilms By Culture Dependent Approach

Abstract

The importance of biocides resistant bacterial strains in medicine, industry and the environment has gained significant attention. Microbial contamination of dental unit waterlines is thought to be the result of biofilm formation within the small-bore tubing used for these conduits. Our objectives were to characterize biocides resistant isolates from dental unit water line biofilm (DUWL) using the standard laboratory approaches. Growth curves of isolates established in biocides free and supplemented medium demonstrated less growth in the presence of biocides. O10 | P a g e ptimum pH was 7 whereas; optimum temperature was 37°C. Isolates showed resistance against multiple of heavy metals while fewer antibiotics. Genetic studies were accomplished by performing conjugation and transformation experiments. In two isolates (AWT 21 and PTNPF) transconjugants were observed, while no transformant was recorded in any case. Overall, the findings of this study can be used to profile the metabolic effects of new biocides or biocide combinations upon biocides
resistant biofilm isolates from clinical environment.