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The antimicrobial efficacy of 'MGP' gutta-percha in vitro
A L Shur1, C M Sedgley, J C Fenno
1Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA.
Aim:
To determine whether 'MGP' gutta-percha (Westport, CT, USA), a commercially available gutta-percha containing iodoform, inhibits the growth of potential endodontic pathogens.
Methodology:
Inocula of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus sanguis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Actinomyces odontolyticus were spread onto the surface of agar plates. 'MGP' gutta-percha cones presoaked in sterile water were transferred to the inoculated agar and incubated at 37 degrees C aerobically or anaerobically as required for optimal growth. Identical studies were performed using iodoform-free gutta-percha and sterile paper disks saturated with 10% povidone-iodine. Following incubation, zones of inhibition around the 'MGP' gutta-percha, iodoform-free gutta-percha and disks were evaluated.
Results:
Povidone-iodine inhibited all the strains. Iodoform-free gutta-percha inhibited S. sanguis and A. odontolyticus. 'MGP' gutta-percha inhibited S. aureus, S. sanguis, A. odontolyticus and F. nucleatum. Neither iodoform-free gutta-percha nor 'MGP' gutta-percha inhibited growth of E. faecalis, E. coli or P. aeruginosa.
Conclusions:
Compared to iodoform-free gutta-percha, iodoform-containing 'MGP' gutta-percha had an inhibitory effect in vitro on S. aureus and F. nucleatum, but not on E. faecalis, E. coli or P. aeruginosa.
Insights
Iodoform-containing gutta-percha demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against certain endodontic pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Fusobacterium nucleatum. However, it did not inhibit Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Endodontic infections often involve polymicrobial flora.
- Gutta-percha is a primary root canal filling material.
- Antimicrobial properties of gutta-percha formulations are of clinical interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of 'MGP' gutta-percha, which contains iodoform.
- To compare its inhibitory effect against potential endodontic pathogens with iodoform-free gutta-percha and povidone-iodine.
Main Methods:
- Agar diffusion assays were performed using seven key endodontic bacterial species.
- 'MGP' gutta-percha, iodoform-free gutta-percha, and povidone-iodine were tested.
- Zones of inhibition were measured after incubation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Main Results:
- Povidone-iodine exhibited broad-spectrum inhibition against all tested strains.
- 'MGP' gutta-percha inhibited Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sanguis, Actinomyces odontolyticus, and Fusobacterium nucleatum.
- Neither gutta-percha formulation inhibited Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Conclusions:
- Iodoform-containing 'MGP' gutta-percha demonstrated enhanced in vitro antimicrobial activity compared to iodoform-free gutta-percha.
- The inhibitory effect was specific to certain bacterial species, notably S. aureus and F. nucleatum.
- The material showed no efficacy against common Gram-negative pathogens like E. faecalis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa.
