title: Flow cytometric analysis of chlorhexidine action.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infection, United Medical School of Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Sheppard
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Bloomfield
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Gant
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine