Susceptibility of some oral microorganisms to chlorhexidine and paramonochlorophenol

Braz Oral Res. 2004 Jul-Sep;18(3):242-6. doi: 10.1590/s1806-83242004000300012.

Abstract

Since the use of antimicrobial agents is required in endodontic therapies, this study aimed at determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of chlorhexidine digluconate and paramonochlorophenol (PMC) against microorganisms commonly found in endodontic infections. Both agents were tested by agar dilution tests against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Prevotella denticola and Prevotella melaninogenica. The MIC of chlorhexidine ranged from 2.67 to 80.00 microg/ml, and the MIC of PMC from 46.67 to 213.33 microg/ml. The highest MIC value of PMC was detected for E. faecalis whereas E. coli was the most susceptible microorganism to this agent. The highest MIC values of chlorhexidine were observed for P. aeruginosa whereas E. coli and P. denticola were the most susceptible microorganisms to this agent. Since the MIC values observed are much lower than the concentrations currently used in the endodontic therapy, it is suggested that both agents are effective in reducing the microbiota in the root canal.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / pharmacology*
  • Camphor / pharmacology*
  • Chlorhexidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Chlorhexidine / pharmacology
  • Chlorophenols / pharmacology*
  • Dental Pulp Cavity / microbiology
  • Drug Combinations
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Root Canal Irrigants / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Chlorophenols
  • Drug Combinations
  • Root Canal Irrigants
  • Camphor
  • camphorated parachlorophenol
  • chlorhexidine gluconate
  • Chlorhexidine