Evaluation of developed bacterial flora in disposable masks by scanning electron microscopy

Mago J.D.; Guzmán M.; Mago J.M.; Velazco E.; Velásquez W.; Conde M. · Acta Microscopica (2022)

Resumen

The bacterial flora developed in surgical-type disposable facial masks was qualitatively evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which were used by healthy subjects in time periods of 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours. The study showed that as the time periods of use of the masks increased, increases were observed in the bacterial flora developed on the mesh in contact with the face and mouth of the volunteers, with a predominance of structures compatible with bacteria, especially of coccoid shapes. It is presumed that the different morphotypes observed in the internal part of the mask belong to the oropharyngealmicrobiota of the individuals.