title: A new in vitro model to test the effectiveness of topical antimicrobial agents. Use of an artificial eschar.
abstract: An in vitro method using a burn eschar 'equivalent' is described to compare the efficacy of several antimicrobial creams. Fragments of lyophilized pigskin were used as 'germ carriers' and after 24 h of treatment the effectiveness of the antimicrobial creams was tested through the evaluation of bacterial recovery both from the surface and from within the 'germ carriers'. The results showed a striking full skin thickness effectiveness of 0.5 per cent chlorhexidine, 10 per cent providone iodine and 2 per cent cerium nitrate in comparison with the weak activity demonstrated by 1 per cent silver sulphadiazine cream.
authors.affiliation: Preventive Medicine Department, Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Herruzo-Cabrera
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Vizcaino-Alcaide
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rey-Calero
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001684:Biological Dressings; D002056:Burns / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008954:Models, Biological; D009824:Ointments
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D009824:Ointments