The antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy of tetracycline-integrated gutta-percha

• Main Authors: Bodrumlu Emre, Alacam Tayfun, Semiz Mustafa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2008-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Dental Research
• Subjects: Antifungal; antimicrobial; tetracycline-integrated gutta-percha
• Online Access: http://www.ijdr.in/article.asp?issn=0970-9290;year=2008;volume=19;issue=2;spage=112;epage=115;aulast=Bodrumlu

The purpose of this study was <i> in vitro </i> evaluation of the antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy of commercially available gutta-percha containing tetracycline on some potential endodontic pathogens. The test microorganisms were <i> Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Porphyromonas endodontalis,</i> and <i> Candida albicans</i> . Tetracycline-integrated gutta-percha (TGP) cones, tetracycline disc, and conventional gutta-percha cones of the same size were placed on the inoculated plates. The plates were incubated at 37&#x00B0;C aerobically or anaerobically. Growth inhibition zones on each plate were inspected at 24, 48, and 72 h. Tetracycline disc and TGP cones inhibited all the tested bacterial strains, however the greatest antimicrobial effect was seen on <i> S. aureus.</i> Tetracycline disc and TGP seemed less effective on <i> E.</i> <i> faecalis</i> and <i> P. aeruginosa.</i> However, all tested treatments were unable to affect <i> C. albicans</i> . Based on the results of this study, it seems that TGP offers an antimicrobial advantage over conventional gutta-percha.