Antimicrobial Effect of Conventional Root Canal Medicaments vs Propolis against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans

Aim: To evaluate and compare antimicrobial effect of various root canal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Materials and methods: Six root canal medicaments: 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), EDTA, MTAD and propolis and three microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans were used. These strains were inoculated in brain heart infusion (BHI) and incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. For the agar diffusion test (ADT), petri plates with 20 ml of BHI agar were inoculated with 0.1 ml of the microbial suspensions, using sterile swabs that were spread on the medium, obtaining growth injunction. Paper disks were immersed in the experimental solutions for 1 minute. Subsequently, four papers disks containing one of the substances were placed on the BHI agar surface in each agar plate. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. The diameter of microbial inhibition was measured around the papers disks containing the substances. One way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test were used. p-value >0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Propolis and other irrigants were found to be effective on C. albicans, S. aureus and E. faecalis. CHX and MTAD were found to be most effective amongst all the materials tested followed by propolis. Conclusion: Propolis showed antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis, S. aureus, C. albicans. It appears that propolis is an effective intracanal irrigant in eradicating E. faecalis and C. albicans. Clinical significance: Propolis is an effective intracanal irrigant in eradicating E. faecalis and C. albicans. It could be used as an alternative intracanal medicament. Keywords: Root canal medicaments, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Propolis. How to cite this article: Mattigatti S, Jain D, Ratnakar P, Moturi S, Varma S, Rairam S. Antimicrobial Effect of Conventional Root Canal Medicaments vs Propolis Against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(3):305-309. Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None declared.     

In vitro evaluation of the effectiveness of irrigants and intracanal medicaments on microorganisms within root canals

AIM: To evaluate in vitro the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX) and five intracanal medicaments on microorganisms within root canals. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-six human single-rooted extracted teeth were used. After removing the crowns, canal preparation was completed and the external root surfaces were coated with epoxy resin. Following sterilization, the teeth were contaminated with Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis, and were incubated at 37 +/- 1 degrees C for 7 days. The teeth were divided according to the irrigant solution or intracanal medicament: group 1, sterile physiologic solution (SPS) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste; group 2, SPS and camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CPMC); group 3, SPS and tricresol formalin; group 4, SPS and CaOH2 + CPMC paste; group 5, SPS and PMC furacin; group 6, 2.5% NaOCl without intracanal medication; group 7, 2.0% CHX without intracanal medication and group 8, SPS without intracanal medication (control group). Microbiological samples were collected with sterile paper points, and bacterial growth was determined. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance (anova, P = 0.05). RESULTS: For C. albicans, groups 3 and 8 were statistically less effective than groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 (Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) = 65.241; gl = 7; P = 0.001). For E. faecalis, groups 6 and 8 were statistically less effective than groups 1-4 and 7 (K-W = 61.048; gl = 7; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ca(OH)2 + CPMC paste was the most effective intracanal medicament for the elimination of the two microorganisms; 2.0% CHX solution was more effective than 2.5% NaOCl against E. faecalis.     

Control of microorganisms in vitro by calcium hydroxide pastes

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of vehicles on the antimicrobial efficiency of calcium hydroxide. METHODOLOGY: A total of 588 size 50 sterile absorbent paper points, were immersed in various microbial suspensions for 3 min. The points were then placed on Petri dishes and covered with intracanal dressings containing calcium hydroxide: Ca(OH)2 + saline; Ca(OH)2 + camphorated paramonochlorophenol; Ca(OH)2 + 1% chlorhexidine solution: Ca(OH)2 + 3% sodium lauryl sulphate; Ca(OH)2 + Otosporin. After 1 min, 48 and 72 h and 7 days, 147 absorbent paper cones were removed from contact with the intracanal dressings and individually transported and immersed in 5 mL of Letheen Broth, followed by incubation at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Microbial growth was evaluated by turbidity of the culture medium. A 0.1-mL inoculum obtained from the Letheen Broth was transferred to 5 mL of BHI, and incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Bacterial growth was again evaluated by turbidity of the culture medium. Positive BHI tubes were selected and inocula were spread on the surface of BHI agar and incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Gram staining of the BHI growth and from colonies growing on BHI agar was carried out. RESULTS: An antimicrobial effect occurred after 48 h on the cultures of S. mutans, E. faecalis, S. aureus, P aeruginosa, B. subtilis, C. albicans and a mixed culture, irrespective of the intracanal dressing. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, the various vehicles associated with calcium hydroxide pastes did not influence the time required for microbial inactivation.     

The effect of antibiotics and endodontic antimicrobials on the polymerase chain reaction

The effectiveness of endodontic antimicrobial treatment could be determined using sensitive molecular methods. The purpose of this study was to determine if antibiotics or endodontic reagents interfere with the ability of PCR to detect Enterococcus faecalis in vitro. Amoxicillin (25 mg/ml), clindamycin (15 mg/ml), tetracycline (25 mg/ml), doxycycline (10 mg/ml), calcium hydroxide, 1% buffered sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl1), 3% and 6% unbuffered NaOCl (NaOCl3 and NaOCl6), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 5% tincture iodine (TI), 2% iodine potassium iodide (IKI), chloroform (CF), 70% ethyl alcohol, 5% sodium thiosulphate, 5% citric acid or saline were added to 10 or 10 cells/ml E. faecalis ATCC 19433 for 1 h (1 wk for Ca(OH)2). Using PCR, all specimens were positive except for NaOCl3 and NaOCl6. PCR with Ca(OH)2 was positive with 10 cells/ml but negative with 10 cells/ml. The following reagents yielded negative culturing results: all antibiotics, Ca(OH)2, CHX, IKI, TI, NaOCl3, NaOCl6, and CF. BacLight nuclear staining revealed the presence of viable cells in all PCR positive, culture negative combinations, except for those with CF. Therefore, in the presence of threshold values of bacterial concentrations, all reagents tested except for NaOCl3 and NaOCl6 do not interfere with the detection of E. faecalis using PCR.     

A study of the time necessary for calcium hydroxide to eliminate microorganisms in infected canals

The objective of this study was to analyze the time necessary for calcium hydroxide to eliminate microorganisms in infected canals. A total of 168 human anterior teeth were prepared and sterilized. One hundred sixty two teeth were inoculated with suspensions of S. aureus, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, C. albicans. Three teeth were used as negative control and three as positive control. Root canals were irrigated with saline and filled with calcium hydroxide paste (CHP). At intervals of 1 minute, and at 7, 15, 21, 27, 30, 45, 60, and 90 days, CHP was removed, samples were collected and immersed in Letheen Broth (LB). Microbial growth was analyzed by two methods, turbidity of the culture medium and subculture on a Brain heart Infusion. After looking for medium change, an inoculum of 0.1 mL obtained from LB was transferred to 7 mL of Brain Heart Infusion (BHI), and subsequently incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. Microbial growth was checked by turbidity of the culture medium and in some cases by Gram stain. All assays were carried out in triplicate under aseptic technique. The results indicated that the antimicrobial effect on the cultures of S. aureus, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, C. albicans and one mixed culture in infected canals by CHP occurred in 60 days.     

Inhibitory activity of root canal irrigants against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus

The present study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of three root canal irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus. These microorganisms were incubated in the presence of citric acid (6 and 10%), EDTA (17%), and NaOCl (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.25%). Agar diffusion tests were performed and redox indicator resazurin was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the irrigants on the metabolic activity of these microorganisms. The mean diameters of the inhibition zones for the C. albicans cultures were 11.6 mm (17% EDTA), 5.5 mm (0.5% NaOCl), 12.9 mm (1% NaOCl), 22.1 mm (2.5% NaOCl), and 28.5 mm (5.25% NaOCl). The mean diameters of the inhibition zones for E. faecalis were 2.8 mm (1% NaOCl), 5.4 mm (2.5% NaOCl), and 8.3 mm (5.25% NaOCl). For S. aureus, the mean values were 8.0 mm (17% EDTA), 3.0 mm (1% NaOCl), 8.8 mm (2.5% NaOCl), and 10.0 mm (5.25% NaOCl). Most of the irrigant solutions presented effective antimicrobial activity against C. albicans. A high inhibitory effect on the metabolic activity of E. faecalis was detected when the microorganisms were incubated with 17% EDTA. The same result was reached when S. aureus was incubated in the presence of > 2.5% NaOCl. Altogether, these results indicate that 2.5% and 5.25% NaOCl are microbicides against S. aureus while 0.5% and 1% NaOCl are only microbiostatic against the tested bacteria. The 6% and 10% citric acid as well as 17% EDTA did not affect the viability of any of the assayed microorganisms.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of phytotherapic Uncaria tomentosa against endodontic pathogens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC (cat's claw) against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Suspensions with 10(8) cells/ml of each microorganism were plated in triplicate on Mueller-Hinton agar. Wells in the agar were made and filled with 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, 2% cat's claw (CC) gel, 2% CHX+CC, and 1% hydroxyethylcellulose (NAT) gel. Inhibition halos were measured after 24 h at 37°C and differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The mean diameter of the microbial growth inhibition zones of 2% CHX+CC against the tested microbial strains ranged from 21.7 to 33.5 mm. This was the most effective substance against E. faecalis and C. albicans, followed by CHX and CC. Against S. aureus, CHX+CC, CHX, and CC showed similar antimicrobial activity (P > 0.05). The results indicate that all the investigated compounds had antimicrobial activity against microorganisms frequently found in infected root-filled teeth.     

Efficacy of chlorhexidine- and calcium hydroxide-containing medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis in vitro

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) and calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)(2), against Enterococcus faecalis in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: The effect of CHX (0.2% and 2% in gel or solution) and Ca(OH)(2) (alone or with 0.2% CHX gel) was evaluated by using the agar diffusion test and an in vitro human root inoculation method, to measure zone of inhibition or bacterial growth with optical density analysis, respectively. For optical density analysis, samples from infected root canals were collected after 7 days of medication and were cultured for 24 hours in brain-heart infusion to detect viable bacteria. RESULTS: In the agar diffusion test, CHX was effective against E faecalis in a concentration-dependent fashion, but Ca(OH)(2) alone had no effect. In the root canal inoculation test, CHX was significantly more effective against E faecalis than Ca(OH)(2) was (P < .05), but there were no significant differences between the modes of medication or concentrations of CHX. CONCLUSIONS: CHX is effective against E faecalis in vitro. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the value of CHX in clinical treatment.     

Antimicrobial activity of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine by two different tests

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial capacity of sodium hypochlorite (1% and 5%) and chlorhexidine (0.12%, 0.5% and 1%) with or without the addition of organic material (bovine serum albumin, BSA) against some bacterial samples (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum) using two activity tests (contact and diffusion agar tests). In the contact test (first model), bacterial samples were kept in contact with each irrigating solution for different time intervals: immediately (t(0)), 5 min (t(5)), 15 min (t(15)) and 30 min (t(30)). The agar diffusion test was the second model used. In half the specimens, 0.5% BSA was added to simulate organic tissue present in the root canal. Bacterial growth was evaluated for each microorganism and activity test. Each test was repeated 10 times. In the contact test, 0.12% chlorhexidine solution (CHX) did not eliminate E. faecalis at any tested time. CHX at 0.5% eliminated all strains except E. faecalis after immediate contact. All strains were eliminated by 1% CHX, 1% NaOCl and 5% NaOCl. BSA did not interfere with the antimicrobial activity of the irrigating solutions. In the agar diffusion test, all solutions exhibited zones of antimicrobial activity; however, BSA interfered with the antimicrobial activity of NaOCl and CHX. Under the condition of the contact test, the 0.12% CHX was ineffective in eliminating E. faecalis, while 0.5% CHX, 1% CHX, 1% NaOCl and 5% NaOCl showed antibacterial effectiveness against all the tested bacterial strains. The addition of an organic load interfered with the accuracy of the agar diffusion test.     

Antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine and two calcium hydroxide formulations against Enterococcus faecalis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH2) against Enterococcus faecalis in vitro. Extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented up to size 40. After removal of the smear layer, an inoculum of E. faecalis was inserted into the root canals. After incubation, the inoculum was removed and the root canals were filled with one of three different disinfectants: Ca(OH2 paste, CHX 2%, and a mixture of CHX and Ca(OH2 paste (n = 10 in each group). Control teeth were filled with water of standardized hardness (n = 10). The teeth were then incubated for 3 days. After incubation, each root canal was instrumented, and the removed dentin was examined microbiologically. CHX was significantly more effective against E. faecalis than was Ca(OH2 paste or a mixture of CHX with Ca(OH2 paste (p < 0.05). There was no increase in the efficiency of Ca(OH2 paste when CHX was added (p > 0.05). The results suggest that CHX is effective in the elimination of E. faecalis from dentinal tubules under the conditions of this study.     

Detection and eradication of microorganisms in root-filled teeth associated with periradicular lesions: an in vivo study

This study determined the presence of microorganisms by culture and polymerase chain reaction in asymptomatic root-filled teeth with periradicular lesions. Furthermore, a disinfecting regimen using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) irrigation, and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)) dressing was assessed. After removal of the root-filling material, specimens of 20 cases undergoing retreatment were sampled. Moreover, the canals were sampled after each step of the disinfecting regimen. Prevalence of microorganisms was 60% by culture and 65% by polymerase chain reaction. In four of those samples (31%), DNA of Enterococcus faecalis was found. After further root canal preparation and irrigation using NaOCl and EDTA, microorganisms could be detected in none of the teeth. Thus, CHX and Ca(OH)(2) could not show further disinfection. In contrast, microorganisms were found in two teeth after the interappointment dressing. It may be concluded that proper root canal preparation and irrigation using NaOCl and EDTA are sufficient for decontamination of the root canal system during endodontic retreatment.     

In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite

The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the antimicrobial activity of 0.2%, 1%, and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX gel and CHX liquid), against endodontic pathogens and compare the results with the ones achieved by 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 4%, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). A broth dilution test was performed, and the timing for irrigants to kill microbial cells was recorded and statistically analyzed. Both 2.0% gel and liquid formulations eliminated Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans in 15 seconds, whereas the gel formulation killed Enterococcus faecalis in 1 minute. All tested irrigants eliminated Porphyromonas endodontalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia in 15 seconds. The timing required for 1.0% and 2.0% CHX liquid to eliminate all microorganisms was the same required for 5.25% NaOCl. The antimicrobial action is related to type, concentration, and presentation form of the irrigants as well as the microbial susceptibility.     

Antibacterial effectiveness of peracetic acid and conventional endodontic irrigants

This study evaluated the in vitro antibacterial activity of conventional and experimental endodontic irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis. The following substances were evaluated by direct contact test: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); 1% peracetic acid. After different contact periods (30 s, 1, 3, and 10 min), a neutralizing agent was applied. Serial 10-fold dilutions were prepared and plated onto tryptic soy agar (TSA) and the number of colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) was determined. Sterile saline was used as a negative control. Both 2.5% NaOCl and 2% CHX eliminated E. faecalis after 30 s of contact. Peracetic acid reduced the bacterial counts by 86% after 3 min and completely eliminated E. faecalis after 10 min. These results allow us to conclude that 1% peracetic acid is effective against E. faecalis, despite its slower action compared with 2.5% NaOCl and 2% CHX.     

Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of four medicaments used as intracanal medication

The aim of this study was to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of iodoform, calcium hydroxide, IKI (iodine potassium iodine) and CFC (ciprofloxacin, Flagyl (metronidazole) and calcium hydroxide) required to kill S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and B. fragilis. In the experiment, medicaments were added to bacterial species into test tubes, in 10 different concentrations. The MIC was the lowest concentration of the drug at which bacterial growth could not be observed. In this investigation, CFC was the most effective medicament against all bacteria. All drugs were able to eliminate E. faecalis and B. fragilis, while IKI was not effective against S. aureus. IKI and calcium hydroxide were not able to eliminate P. aeruginosa as well.     

Effectiveness of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of complete dentures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of simulated complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty dentures were fabricated in a standardized procedure and subjected to ethylene oxide sterilization. The dentures were individually inoculated (10(7) cfu/mL) with tryptic soy broth (TSB) media containing one of the tested microorganisms (Candida albicans, Streptoccus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). After 48 hours of incubation at 37 degrees C, 40 dentures were individually immersed in 200 mL of water and submitted to microwave irradiation at 650 W for 6 minutes. Forty nonirradiated dentures were used as positive controls. Replicate aliquots (25 microL) of suspensions were plated at dilutions of 10(-3) to 10(-6) on plates of selective media appropriate for each organism. All plates were incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 hours. TSB beakers with the microwaved dentures were incubated at 37 degrees C for 7 more days. After incubation, the number of colony-forming units was counted and the data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (alpha = .05). RESULTS: No evidence of growth was observed at 48 hours for S. aureus, B. subtilis, and C. albicans. Dentures contaminated with P. aeruginosa showed small growth on 2 plates. After 7 days incubation at 37 degrees C, no growth was visible in the TSB beakers of S. aureus and C. albicans. Turbidity was observed in 3 broth beakers, 2 from P. aeruginosa and 1 from B. subtilis. CONCLUSION: Microwave irradiation for 6 minutes at 650 W produced sterilization of complete dentures contaminated with S. aureus and C. albicans and disinfection of those contaminated with P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis.     

In vitro antibacterial effect of different irrigating solutions on Enterococcus faecalis

Was evaluated the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the antibacterial effect (AE) of 2.5% NaOCl, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and 17% EDTA on Enterococcus faecalis. The antibacterial capacity was assessed by difusion in agar. The AE was evaluated on contaminated root dentin, employing apical and middle portions of human roots, sterilized and contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis, immersed in the irrigation solutions and incubated at 37 degrees C. Viable cells were counted at 0, 4, 8 and 24 hours. MIC: NaOCl and CHX: 0.2%, EDTA below 5%. Diffusion in agar: NaOCl 2.5% = 21 mm. CHX 0.2% = 14 mm. EDTA 17% = 20 mm. Effect on root dentin: NaOCl 2.5%: Enterococcus faecalis was totally inhibited for 24 hours in the apical area, and for 8 hours in the middle area. CHX 0.2% elicited a reduction of more than 5 log CFU and EDTA 17% induced a reduction of more than 3 log CFU at all the time points examined in the apical and middle areas.     

过氧乙酸消毒剂对牙胶尖消毒效果的实验研究

目的 初步评价过氧乙酸消毒剂（Peracetic Acid,PAA）对牙胶尖的消毒效果。方法 将800根牙胶尖随机分成5组,分别浸入金黄色葡萄球菌、大肠杆菌、粪肠球菌、枯草杆菌黑色变种芽孢以及白色念珠菌制成的菌悬液进行体外感染,每组160根牙胶尖再分成4小组,分别用0.1%、0.2%、0.5%过氧乙酸溶液和5.25%次氯酸钠溶液（Sodium Hypochlorite,NaOCl）浸泡消毒,在消毒后15s、30s、1min、2min时分别取出10根牙胶尖进行微生物培养,根据培养后有无微生物生长评定消毒效果。结果 0.1%或0.2%过氧乙酸浸泡消毒2min后无法杀灭枯草杆菌黑色变种芽孢;0.5%过氧乙酸或5.25%次氯酸钠浸泡消毒2min后,牙胶尖上5种微生物都被杀灭;对枯草杆菌黑色变种芽孢污染的牙胶尖消毒15s时,0.5%过氧乙酸的消毒效果明显好于5.25%次氯酸钠,但在其它情况下两者的消毒效果无统计学差异。结论 用0.5%过氧乙酸浸泡消毒2min后,能有效杀灭牙胶尖表面微生物,可考虑用于临床上牙胶尖的快速消毒。     

Substantive antimicrobial activity in chlorhexidine-treated human root dentin

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the substantive antimicrobial activity of different medicaments in human root dentin. STUDY DESIGN: Canals of 98 roots were enlarged to standard size and medicated for 7 days with the following: (1) 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, (2) 0.2% CHX gel, (3) 2% CHX solution, (4) Ca(OH)(2), (5) Ca(OH)(2)+ 0.2% CHX gel, (6) 2% CHX solution + a 25% CHX-containing controlled-release device, (7) saline, and (8) gel vehicle. After medication, canals were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis for 21 days. Dentin samples were collected with Gates-Glidden burs into brain heart infusion broth, and bacterial growth was assessed with spectrophotometric analysis of optical density after 72 hours of incubation. RESULTS: Mean optical densities were significantly lower for groups with 2% CHX (1, 3, and 6) when compared with those of the controls (P < .05, analysis of variance with the Tukey test). Other groups did not differ significantly from the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Canal dressing for 1 week with 2% CHX may provide residual antimicrobial activity against E faecalis.     

Susceptibility of some oral microorganisms to chlorhexidine and paramonochlorophenol

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.     

The influence of organic load on the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of NaOCl and chlorhexidine in vitro

AIM: To evaluate bacterial growth after contact with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl; 1 and 5%) and chlorhexidine (CHX; 0.12, 0.5 and 1%) in vitro with or without the addition of organic material (bovine serum albumin (BSA) 0.5%). METHODOLOGY: Bacterial samples (American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)) of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum were kept in contact with each irrigating solution for varying intervals of time: immediately (t0), 5 min (t5), 15 min (t15) and 30 min (t30). Each test was repeated 10 times. In half of the specimens, 0.5% BSA was added as organic material in an attempt to simulate the organic tissue present in the root canal system. Bacterial growth under appropriate condition of incubation was evaluated and compared for each microorganism at all time intervals. RESULTS: A 0.12% CHX solution did not eliminate E. faecalis at any time interval. One percent CHX eliminated all strains, as did both NaOCl concentrations. BSA did not interfere substantially with the antimicrobial activity of any of the irrigating solutions. CONCLUSIONS: Under the condition of this study, a 0.12% CHX solution was ineffective at killing E. faecalis.