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A novel activated-zinc antiseptic solution effective against MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a pig model
Derek L Hill1, Cody Pinger2, Erica L Noland3
1Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Hill Orthopedics, US.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of a novel activated zinc solution against meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after one hour, and to evaluate any untoward effect of the solution on local wound tissue at 24 hours after solution exposure in a pig wound model.
Method:
A pathogen-free, commercially raised, Yorkshire-cross female pig was acquired 12 days prior to the procedure. Within one week prior to the procedure, a small loopful of test bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (pig-isolate) and MRSA (ATCC-6538), were streaked and cultured on a non-selective agar. Full-thickness wounds (n=24) were created and evenly divided into three groups: control wounds (exposed to bacteria but untreated, n=8); wounds treated with Compound 1 (n=8), and wounds treated with Compound 2 (n=8). All wounds were dressed and monitored for one hour and 24 hours.
Results:
After one hour, the wounds treated with Compound 1 and Compound 2 had a mean recoverable total bacteria of 2.8 log colony forming units (CFUs) and 3.5 logCFUs, respectively. After one hour, the wounds treated with Compound 1 and Compound 2 had a mean recoverable MRSA of 2.3 logCFUs and 1.6 logCFUs, respectively (p=0.009). After one hour, the wounds treated with Compound 1 and Compound 2 had a mean recoverable Pseudomonas aeruginosa of 0.3 logCFUs and 0.0 logCFUs, respectively (p=0.000). After 24 hours of exposure to Compound 1 and Compound 2, there was no statistically significant increased necrosis (p=0.12, p=0.31, respectively) or neutrophilic infiltrate (Compound 2, p=0.12) when compared with control wounds.
Conclusion:
The novel activated-zinc compound used in this study demonstrated a 99.5-99.9% reduction in total bacteria, a 99.9-99.98% reduction in MRSA, and 100% eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa one hour after exposure. This novel solution may provide another significant tool to treat and/or prevent wound infections.
Insights
A novel activated zinc solution effectively reduced bacteria, including MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in a pig wound model. This promising compound shows potential for preventing and treating wound infections without causing tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Wound healing research
- Antimicrobial agents
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are critical pathogens in wound infections.
- Novel antimicrobial solutions are needed to combat resistant bacterial strains and improve wound care outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of a novel activated zinc solution against MRSA and P. aeruginosa.
- To assess the safety of the activated zinc solution on local wound tissue in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- A pig wound model was utilized with full-thickness wounds created and inoculated with MRSA and P. aeruginosa.
- Wounds were treated with either Compound 1 (activated zinc solution), Compound 2 (activated zinc solution), or left untreated (control).
- Bacterial load, including MRSA and P. aeruginosa, was quantified after one hour, and tissue response was evaluated at 24 hours.
Main Results:
- Activated zinc solutions demonstrated significant reductions in total bacteria (99.5-99.9%), MRSA (99.9-99.98%), and complete eradication of P. aeruginosa (100%) after one hour.
- No statistically significant increase in wound tissue necrosis or neutrophilic infiltrate was observed at 24 hours post-exposure compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The novel activated zinc compound exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against key wound pathogens.
- The solution appears safe for local wound tissue, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for wound infection management.
