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Influence of copper salts on gonococci
The British Journal of Venereal Diseases
|June 1, 1976
Summary
Copper-coil intrauterine devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptives showed no difference in preventing gonorrhoea. Copper ions are toxic to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but serum can protect the bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive health
- Microbiology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant cause of sexually transmitted infections.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptives are common methods of birth control.
- The potential impact of contraceptive methods on gonorrhoea incidence requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of gonorrhoea in women using copper-coil intrauterine devices (IUDs) versus oral contraceptives.
- To investigate the in vitro effect of copper sulphate on Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study at a venereal disease clinic.
- In vitro experiments using copper sulphate and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the presence of serum.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in gonorrhoea incidence was observed between the IUD and oral contraceptive groups.
- In vitro, copper sulphate demonstrated a toxic effect on Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Serum was found to protect Neisseria gonorrhoeae from the toxic effects of copper ions.
Conclusions:
- Copper-coil IUDs and oral contraceptives appear to have similar efficacy in preventing gonorrhoea in a clinical setting.
- The antibacterial properties of copper ions against Neisseria gonorrhoeae are potentially modulated by biological factors like serum.