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Prevention of respiratory infections by povidone-iodine gargle
Tsuyoshi Nagatake1, Kamrudolin Ahmed, Kazunori Oishi
1Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. nagatake@net.nagasaki-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
Bacterial attachment to host cells is the initial step in the pathogenesis of infection. Our studies and those of others also showed that there is a significant correlation between the attachment of bacteria to human pharyngeal epithelial cells and the occurrence of respiratory tract infections. We identified the receptor on human pharyngeal epithelial cells which mediate binding of Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae. In an attempt to prevent occurrence of infections, the effects of povidone-iodine gargling on the incidence of respiratory infections were investigated. The subjects included a total of 23 adult patients, both males and females, with chronic respiratory diseases showing repeated infections. Patients were asked to gargle more than 4 times/day with povidone-iodine gargle over extended periods of time, i.e. from several months up to over 2 years. The incidence of episodes of acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory infections decreased significantly when compared with that before use of povidone-iodine gargle. Episodes of infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and H. influenzae were reduced by about 50%. Results of this study suggest that povidone-iodine gargle is effective in providing a significant reduction in the incidence of acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease. We assume that the colonized bacteria were destroyed and thus infection could not occur. Therefore, povidone-iodine gargle may be used in these patients as a preventive therapy. Further studies are needed to find out the mechanism of action of this drug for the prevention of respiratory tract infections.
Insights
Povidone-iodine gargling significantly reduced respiratory infections in patients with chronic lung disease. This preventive therapy decreased bacterial exacerbations by approximately 50%, suggesting a role in managing recurrent infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bacterial attachment to host cells initiates infection.
- A correlation exists between bacterial attachment to pharyngeal cells and respiratory infections.
- Receptors mediating bacterial binding (Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae) have been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of povidone-iodine gargling in preventing respiratory infections.
- To assess the impact of povidone-iodine gargle on the incidence of acute exacerbations in chronic respiratory diseases.
Main Methods:
- 23 adult patients with chronic respiratory diseases and recurrent infections participated.
- Patients gargled with povidone-iodine more than 4 times daily for extended periods (months to over 2 years).
- Incidence of respiratory infections was compared before and after povidone-iodine gargle use.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory infections was observed.
- Episodes of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), and H. influenzae were reduced by approximately 50%.
- Povidone-iodine gargle demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the incidence of these infections.
Conclusions:
- Povidone-iodine gargle is effective in significantly reducing acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease.
- The mechanism is hypothesized to involve the destruction of colonized bacteria, preventing infection.
- Povidone-iodine gargle may serve as a preventive therapy for patients with recurrent respiratory tract infections.
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