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In-vitro activity of polyhexanide alone and in combination with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus

W Fabry1, H-J Kock2

  • 1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Virologie und Krankenhaushygiene, Universität Rostock, Rostock, Germany.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|November 30, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polyhexanide effectively treats Staphylococcus aureus, including resistant strains, both alone and with antibiotics. This study shows its suitability for topical applications against common bacterial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Clinical microbiology
  • Infectious diseases

Background:

  • Increasing resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to both antibiotics and antiseptics poses a significant clinical challenge.
  • The need for effective treatment options against meticillin-susceptible and meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the antiseptic polyhexanide against clinical isolates of MSSA and MRSA.
  • To assess the efficacy of polyhexanide in combination with various antibiotics against these strains.

Main Methods:

  • Testing of 50 MSSA and 50 MRSA strains, including one vancomycin-intermediate strain.
  • Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs) using broth microdilution.
  • Investigation of polyhexanide-antibiotic combinations using the checkerboard technique.

Main Results:

  • Polyhexanide demonstrated consistent activity against both MSSA and MRSA, with MICs and MBCs in the range of 0.5-2 mg/L.
  • All tested isolates were susceptible to polyhexanide, with no antagonistic effects observed when combined with antibiotics.
  • Synergistic activity was noted between polyhexanide and certain bacteriostatic antibiotics (erythromycin, doxycycline, linezolid) in some strains.

Conclusions:

  • Polyhexanide exhibits significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including resistant strains.
  • The antiseptic is suitable for topical treatment of S. aureus infections, both as a monotherapy and in combination with antibiotics.
Keywords:
AntibioticAntisepticMeticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusMinimum bactericidal concentrationMinimum inhibitory concentrationPolyhexanideStaphylococcus aureus

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