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In vitro penetration of topical antiseptics through eschar of burn patients
Abstract:
The ability of topical antiseptics to penetrate eschar of burn patients was determined by the agar diffusion technique. Gentamicin sulfate, mafenide acetate, nitrofurazone, povidone-iodine, silver nitrate, and silver sulfadiazine were tested against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and gram-negative bacilli including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In practically all instances, the diameters of the zones of inhibition observed using eschar were comparable to those obtained with filter-paper discs. This finding showed that the antimicrobial agents could penetrate eschar and retain their effectiveness after penetration.
Insights
Topical antiseptics effectively penetrate burn eschar, maintaining antimicrobial activity. This study confirms agents like silver sulfadiazine can reach bacteria within eschar for effective burn wound treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Burn eschar poses a barrier to topical antimicrobial penetration.
- Effective topical antiseptics are crucial for preventing and treating burn wound infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the penetration capability of common topical antiseptics into burn eschar.
- To assess the retained antimicrobial efficacy of these agents after eschar penetration.
Main Methods:
- Agar diffusion technique used to evaluate antiseptic penetration.
- Tested antiseptics included gentamicin sulfate, mafenide acetate, nitrofurazone, povidone-iodine, silver nitrate, and silver sulfadiazine.
- Antimicrobial activity assessed against clinical isolates: Candida albicans, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Main Results:
- Antimicrobial agents demonstrated significant penetration through burn eschar.
- Zone of inhibition diameters using eschar were comparable to those obtained with standard filter-paper discs.
- Eschar penetration did not significantly diminish the antimicrobial effectiveness of the tested agents.
Conclusions:
- Topical antiseptics can effectively penetrate burn eschar.
- The antimicrobial efficacy of these agents is retained after penetration, supporting their use in burn wound management.
- Findings validate the use of these antiseptics for treating infections in burn patients.