Antiseptic-induced changes in the cell surface of a chlorhexidine-sensitive and a chlorhexidine-resistant strain of Providencia stuartii.
The effects of chlorhexidine diacetate and benzalkonium chloride on the cell surface of a chlorhexidine-sensitive (Pv 2) and a chlorhexidine-resistant (Pv 67) strain of Providencia stuartii are described. Low concentrations of chlorhexidine diacetate (10 mg/l and upwards) increased the hydrophobicity of Pv 2, whilst having little effect on Pv 67. Both strains were resistant to benzalkonium chloride but a concentration as low as 2 mg/l induced a significant increase in hydrophobicity in Pv 2, with 25-50 mg/l needed to induce a similar type of increase in Pv 67. The possible nature of the resistance is discussed.
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D011511:Proteus / Q000187:drug effects*; D011532:Providencia / Q000187:drug effects*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D002710:Chlorhexidine