A new in vitro model to test the effectiveness of topical antimicrobial agents. Use of an artificial eschar.
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.
Herruzo-Cabrera
R
R
Preventive Medicine Department, Autonomous University, Madrid, Spain.
Vizcaino-Alcaide
M J
MJ
Mayer
R F
RF
Rey-Calero
J
J
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
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D009824:Ointments