Commercial mouthwashes are ineffective against oral MRSA biofilms

Smith, K., Robertson, D.P. , Lappin, D.F. and Ramage, G. (2013) Commercial mouthwashes are ineffective against oral MRSA biofilms. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, 115(5), pp. 624-629. (doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2012.12.014)

Abstract

<p>Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the activity of oral mouthwashes against biofilm forms of MRSA isolated from the oral cavity and the bloodstream.</p> <p>Study Design: The time-kill kinetics efficacy of 7 over-the-counter mouthwashes were tested against 28 clinical MRSA biofilm isolates for 0.5, 1 and 2 min.</p> <p>Results: Treatments of MRSA biofilms formed by oral and bloodstream isolates were not significantly different, with mouthwashes displaying a rapid and modest anti-biofilm effect. None of the biofilm isolates were completely eradicated by the compounds tested, with a maximal killing of only approximately 70% shown by Corsodyl and Peroxyl. Maximum activity of all compounds tested was observed after 0.5 min. Fluorigard showed the poorest overall activity (57% reduction).</p> <p>Conclusions: MRSA colonize the oral cavity, and are more prevalent in institutionalized persons and the elderly. Over-the-counter mouthwashes are ineffective at killing MRSA biofilms, which has infection control implications.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lappin, Dr David and Ramage, Professor Gordon and Robertson, Mr Douglas
• Authors: Smith, K., Robertson, D.P., Lappin, D.F., and Ramage, G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
• ISSN: 2212-4403