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Bactericidal activity of topical antiseptics and their gargles against Bordetella pertussis

Takahisa Suzuki1, Hiroshi Kataoka, Takashi Ida

  • 1Pharmaceutical Research Center, Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan. takahisa.suzuki@meiji.com

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy : Official Journal of the Japan Society of Chemotherapy
|October 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and benzalkonium chloride (BAC) demonstrate potent bactericidal effects against Bordetella pertussis, the cause of whooping cough. Topical PVP-I and BAC, along with PVP-I gargle, show promise as effective antiseptics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antiseptic Research

Background:

  • Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, a significant respiratory illness in all age groups.
  • Effective antiseptics are crucial for controlling the spread of B. pertussis infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of four common antiseptics against Bordetella pertussis.
  • To identify potential topical and gargle antiseptic agents for managing whooping cough.

Main Methods:

  • Testing the bactericidal activity of povidone-iodine (PVP-I), benzethonium chloride (BEC), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), and benzalkonium chloride (BAC).
  • Assessing both topical antiseptic formulations and gargle solutions against B. pertussis strains (ATCC9797 and clinical isolates).

Main Results:

  • PVP-I and BAC exhibited strong bactericidal activity against B. pertussis.
  • Topical BEC showed moderate activity, while CHG demonstrated low efficacy.
  • PVP-I gargle was highly effective, comparable to topical PVP-I; BEC gargle showed limited activity.

Conclusions:

  • Topical povidone-iodine and benzalkonium chloride are effective antiseptics against B. pertussis.
  • Povidone-iodine gargle presents a viable option for antiseptic use against whooping cough.
  • Further research into antiseptic efficacy can aid in preventing B. pertussis transmission.

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