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The in vitro bactericidal effect of microwave energy on bacteria that cause prostatitis

A Sahin1, D Eiley, E R Goldfischer

  • 1Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York 11042, USA.

Urology
|September 8, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microwave energy from the Prostatron 2.0 device showed a nonthermal bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae in vitro. This study demonstrates microwave energy

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Investigating nonthermal effects of microwave energy in medical applications.
  • Assessing the impact of Prostatron 2.0 microwave delivery on bacterial viability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the in vitro nonthermal effects of Prostatron 2.0 microwave energy on Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae.
  • To evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of microwave energy independent of thermal effects.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial solutions of E. coli and E. cloacae were placed in sterile glove fingers.
  • Samples were subjected to microwave treatment using Prostatron 2.0 or placed in a temperature-matched waterbath as controls.
  • Bacterial colony counts were measured, and urethral and rectal probe temperatures were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Microwave treatment significantly reduced E. coli colony counts compared to controls (P = 0.02).
  • Microwave treatment also significantly decreased E. cloacae colony counts compared to controls (P = 0.004).
  • Energy delivered ranged from 30.0 to 59.5 kJ for E. coli and 38.5 +/- 12.5 kJ for E. cloacae.

Conclusions:

  • Microwave energy delivered by Prostatron 2.0 exhibits an in vitro bactericidal effect on E. coli and E. cloacae.
  • The observed bactericidal effect is independent of heat production, indicating a nonthermal mechanism.
  • This finding suggests potential applications for microwave energy in combating bacterial infections.

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