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Antimicrobial activity of heparin
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Heparin can suppress the growth of certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, and some strains of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. This antibacterial effect is dependent on heparin concentration and can be overcome by divalent cations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Heparin is an anticoagulant medication.
- The potential antimicrobial properties of heparin are not well understood.
- Understanding heparin's effect on microbial growth is crucial for applications involving heparinized materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibacterial and antifungal effects of heparin on various microbial species.
- To determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of heparin for specific microorganisms.
- To explore the mechanism of heparin's antimicrobial activity, particularly its interaction with divalent cations.
Main Methods:
- Clinical isolates of eight microbial species were incubated with heparin and brain heart infusion broth at varying concentrations.
- Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of heparin were determined for ten strains of each species.
- The effect of magnesium and calcium ions on heparin's inhibitory activity was assessed.
Main Results:
- Heparin demonstrated inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and S. epidermidis.
- Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis were consistently inhibited by heparin concentrations of 125-500 U/ml.
- Heparin's inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus was reversed by the addition of magnesium, calcium, or both.
Conclusions:
- Heparin exhibits antimicrobial properties against a range of microorganisms.
- The antibacterial effect of heparin may be mediated by its interaction with divalent cations.
- Heparin may suppress microbial growth in heparin-containing materials.