Journal of Microbiology

The Microbiological Society of Korea (한국미생물학회)
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Detection of Hepatitis B Virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Korean Dental Patients

  • Lee, Sun-A (Department of Prosthodontic Dentistry, Chosun University) ;
  • Yoo, So Young (Department of Oral Biochemistry, College of Dentistry, Chosun University) ;
  • Kay, Kee-Sung (Department of Prosthodontic Dentistry, Chosun University) ;
  • Kook, Joong-Ki (Department of Oral Biochemistry, College of Dentistry, Chosun University)
  • Published : 2004.09.01
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Abstract

This study examined the detection rate of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in serum and saliva samples, respectively, from 120 dental patients who were unaware if they have or had either hepatitis or tuberculosis. The frequencies of HBsAg and anti-HBs were determined using an immunochromatic assay. Mtb positivity was determined by the PCR method. Of the 120 patients, 7 (5.8％) were HBV positive and 30 (25.0％) were Mtb positive. This highlights the fact that dental health care workers (DHCWs) can be exposed to the risk of infection from blood- or saliva-borne pathogens as a consequence of their work. Therefore, it is very important to prevent cross infection between patients and dental personnel. Accordingly, laboratory tests prior to surgical treatment are needed to determine the infectious state of dental patients in order to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases in dental clinics.

Keywords

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