Flow cytometric analysis of chlorhexidine action.
The mechanism by which chlorhexidine kills bacteria is still ill defined. We have investigated the action of chlorhexidine on Escherichia coli JM101/psb311 using a combination of flow cytometry and traditional methods. Chlorhexidine-induced uptake by E. coli cells of bis-(1,3-dibutylbarturic acid) trimethine oxonol and propidium iodide, which monitor membrane potential and membrane integrity respectively, was shown to be concentration dependent for the range 0.003-0.3 mmol-1. In addition, cells in log phase growth were more susceptible to 0.03 mmol-1 chlorhexidine than those in stationary phase. There was, however, no direct correlation between dye uptake and decline in colony forming units.
Sheppard
F C
FC
Division of Infection, United Medical School of Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
Mason
D J
DJ
Bloomfield
S F
SF
Gant
V A
VA
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005453:Fluorescence; D008027:Light; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine