Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Microbiological Analysis of Commonly Used Toothpaste Samples in Bangladesh

Mousumi Talukder
Department of Microbiology, Stamford University Bangladesh, 51, Siddeswari Road, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh

Ifra Tun Nur*
Department of Microbiology, Stamford University Bangladesh, 51, Siddeswari Road, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Present study attempted to identify and enumerate microorganisms spoiling commonly used toothpaste samples. Among 7 brand of toothpaste, almost all were found to be rigorously contaminated with total viable bacteria within a range of 103 – 105 cfu/g. Proliferation of fungal species was observed up to 105 cfu/g. Prevalence of Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. was observed within a range of 103 -105 cfu/g while Vibrio spp. were completely absent. Among the enteric bacteria, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. was found in all the samples tested. Such findings highlighted a great public health risk associated with dental diseases among the users and thereby specified the importance to introduce a proper guideline in maintaining good microbiological quality for such daily usage healthcare products.

Keywords: Drugs; Oral liquids; Coughing; Anti-microbial activity; Microorganisms

Location: Different retailer drug stores in Dhaka city

Start Date: 00-06-2017

End Date: 00-07-2017

Program Area: Pest Management

Commodity: Microbiological aspect

Objectives:

Though toothpaste contains several antimicrobial agents but contamination can occur during processing and packaging. As a sterile pharmaceutical product, great care must be taken both during production and use. As toothpaste and toothbrush is a daily usage product, therefore the present study was undertaken to investigate the microbiological quality of different toothpastes by using spread plate method.

Methodology:

Study area, sampling and sample processing. Seven different finished toothpaste samples with appropriate dates of manufacturing and expiry were collected from different retailer drug stores in Dhaka city during June 2017 to July 2017, and were subjected to microbiological examination. Enumeration of total bacterial and fungal load was performed as well as the presence (if any) of specific pathogens was detected and quantified.

Enumeration of total viable bacteria and fungi. Ten grams of samples were homogeneously mixed with 90 ml of buffer peptone water (BPW), and serial dilutions were prepared up to 10-2 following the standard protocols. An aliquot of 0.1 ml of each non-filterable suspension from the dilution 10-2 was spread onto nutrient agar (NA) plate to enumerate the total bacteria (TVC) and on SDA plate for the estimation of fungal load. Then the NA plate and Sabouraud dextrose agar plates were incubated at 37^oC for 18 to 24 hours and at 25^oC for 48 to 72 hours, respectively.

Enumeration of specific pathogens. 0.1 ml from the dilution of 10-2 of each sample was spread onto Membrane Fecal Coliform (MFC), MacConkey agar, Mannitol salt agar (MSA), and Pseudomonas agar, Starch agar, TCBS agar for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp. and for Vibrio spp. consecutively. All the plates were incubated at 37^oC for 24 hours. Presence of E. coli was further confirmed by the appearance of bluish-black colonies with the production of green metallic sheen on the Eosine-Methylene Blue (EMB) agar. Confirmative biochemical tests revealed the identity of the specific pathogens.

Source of Information: Stamford Journal of Microbiology, 2018. Vol. 8, Issue 1, p. 38-40 ISSN: 2074-5346 (Print); 2408-8846 (Online)

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v8i1.42438

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

With a previous throughput on the high prevalence of contaminating microorganisms in topical products sold in Dhaka Metropolis, current study further unveiled a huge number of microorganisms in the commonly used toothpaste samples. A significant number of total viable bacteria and fungi brought suggestive evidence on the detrimental impact on public health of using such products. The regulatory bodies controlling the operation as well as the distribution of these products among the health-care stores should strictly deal with microbiological maintenance during manufacturing, packaging and storage of the toothpaste products. Presented data sufficiently indicates such urgency needed not only in local perspective but also for the other developing countries where dental disease is common. More cautions must be imposed on the maintenance of hygienic manufacturing condition, proper handling of all ingredients and finally on their storage and distribution among the consumers.

Knowledge Management: Journal