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Biomedical subjects

L Samaranayake

Publications and source records attributed to L Samaranayake.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Salivary lysozyme and related parameters of a predominantly Chinese, HIV-infected cohort in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the salivary lysozyme concentration, flow rate and pH of a predominantly Chinese, HIV-infected group in Hong Kong, and to compare with an equal number of age and gender-matched HIV-free individuals. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal study over a 12-month period of 32 predominantly Chinese, male, HIV-infected group in a hospital setting in Hong Kong. Whole saliva collection by expectoration, lysozyme evaluation by 'lysoplate method'; pH and flow rate evaluation using standard methods and correlation with other clinical parameters using regression analysis. RESULTS: The flow rate and the pH of saliva were lower compared with HIV-free, healthy individuals (both P < 0.0001) and salivary lysozyme concentration of the HIV-infected group was 23% higher compared with the HIV-free group (P < 0.001), though there was no significant difference between the lysozyme output (P > 0.05) expressed as microg min-1. On multiple regression analysis, intravenous drug users had a higher salivary lysozyme concentration compared with the homosexual group (P = 0.0015) though other variables investigated were not significantly related to the salivary lysozyme concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The significant changes in the flow rate, pH value and lysozyme concentration of whole saliva of the HIV-infected individuals as compared with the HIV-free, healthy individuals, may be due to the disease itself or a combination of factors including the medications used in the disease management.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Viral hepatitis. Current concepts for dental practice.

The transmission of blood-borne viruses in the dental office is a potential hazard to patients and dental staff, particularly to oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Hepatitis B virus has been a recognized hazard for several years, and in the past oral surgeons and other dental health care staff have been infected as a result of occupational exposure. Hepatitis C virus in contrast does not appear to be a major occupational hazard to dental staff, nevertheless, infection with this virus can lead to significant morbidity and may have oral manifestations. Hepatitis D virus can be nosocomally transmitted, but vaccination against the hepatitis B virus minimizes this problem. Hepatitis E virus is not of clinical relevance to dentistry, although dental staff who are in areas of endemic infection can become infected as a result of enteric transmission. A number of other putative viral agents may also cause hepatitis, but additional data is awaited, and their significance to dental practice is unknown. This article summarizes current data on hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E.

Blood-Borne Pathogens↗
PubMed1993

Rules of infection control.

The subject of infection control in dentistry has aroused much controversy and debate during the past decade as a result of the global spread of the human immunodeficiency virus infection. Consequently a number of regulatory bodies have promulgated guidelines for infection control in dentistry and the current consensus is that the 'universal infection control' policy--which considers every patient as infectious--should be the norm in every dental practice. The reasons for this are the asymptomatic carriage of pathogens due to the sub-clinical nature, the prodromal period and the carrier state associated with a number of diseases. The universal infection control rules should encompass six elements: routine patient evaluation, personal protection with barrier techniques, instrument sterilisation including sterilisation control, surface and equipment disinfection, asepsis in the laboratory and appropriate disposal of contaminated waste including sharps. Finally, practitioners should attempt to keep abreast of the rules and regulations related to the subject of infection control in dentistry which are continuously evolving due to the steadily increasing data pool on infectious diseases and their modes of prevention.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1993

Handpiece and water line decontamination and HIV transmission: a critique.

The survival of infective viral particles in disinfected handpieces and the dental unit water systems has become a matter of professional and public concern. This commentary evaluates the evidence, making some practical suggestions on water line decontamination and handpiece sterilization.

Cross Infection↗