OBJECTIVES: Glass ionomer cements (GICs), which are biocompatible and adhesive to the tooth surface, are widely used nowadays for tooth restoration. They inhibit the demineralization and promote the remineralization of the tooth structure adjacent to the restoration, as well as interfere with bacterial growth. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess and compare the antimicrobial activity of three commercially available GICs against two cariogenic bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An agar plate diffusion test was used for evaluating the antimicrobial effect of three different GICs (Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, and d-tech) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). Thirty plates were prepared and divided into two groups. The first group was inoculated with S. mutans, and the second group was inoculated with L. acidophilus. These plates were then incubated at 37℃ for 24 hours. Zones of bacterial growth inhibition that formed around each well were recorded in millimeters (mm). RESULTS: The zones of inhibition for Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, and d-tech on S. mutans were found to be 10.84 ± 0.22 mm, 10.23 ± 0.15 mm, and 15.65 ± 0.31 mm, respectively, whereas those for L. acidophilus were found to be 10.43 ± 0.12 mm, 10.16 ± 0.11 mm, and 15.57 ± 0.13 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: D-tech cement performed better in terms of the zone of bacterial inhibition against the two test bacteria, than the other two tested glass ionomers.
Adhesives ; Agar ; Bacteria* ; Diffusion ; Glass Ionomer Cements* ; Glass* ; Lactobacillus acidophilus ; Molar ; Streptococcus mutans ; Tooth

Maduramycosis1 is chronic infection of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue caused by bacteria and fungi. It involves skin, subcutaneous tissue and bones.2 Here we report a case series of 14 patients of mycetoma describing their epidemio-clinical features and laboratory investigations. The most common clinical presentation in the patients were infiltrated subcutaneous swelling with multiple discharging sinus tracts (fistulas). Lesions were located on the foot in all the cases.