Microbiological analysis of hookah mouthpieces

Abstract

The hookah is an instrument used to smoke one of the variations of tobacco. Given its significant increase in popularity, concerns have arisen that go beyond the already known harmful effects of smoking. This study aimed to conduct a microbiological investigation of the microorganisms present in the mouthpieces of hookahs from a tobacco shop in the city of Foz do Iguaçu - PR, and to raise a discussion about their sharing and the hygiene of these devices. Methodology. Twenty randomly selected hookah mouthpieces from a tobacco shop were analyzed, all kindly provided by the establishment. Samples were collected at the tobacco shop using a sterile swab moistened with saline solution and inoculated into an Erlenmeyer flask containing BHI culture medium. The samples were then taken to the multidisciplinary laboratory of the Cesufoz Faculty and incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours. After microbial growth, the contents of the Erlenmeyer flask were homogenized and seeded using a microbiological loop onto MacConkey, Mannitol, and Sabouraud culture media, remaining in a microbiological incubator for 24 to 48 hours. Results: After 24 hours in an incubator at 37ºC, turbidity of the Erlenmeyer flask contents was observed. Growth of Staphylococcus aureus and fungi was observed in the seeded plates on Sabouraud and Mannitol culture media. No growth was observed on the MacConkey plate. Conclusion: The use of disposable and individual mouthpieces and methods for disinfecting the hose and mouthpiece between sessions are essential for preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi harmful to users' health.