The lethal effects of biguanides on cysts and trophozoites of Acanthamoeba castellanii

The effects of a range of biocides on trophozoite and encysted forms of Acanthamoeba castellanii were investigated. Viable acanthamoebae were enumerated by a plaque assay technique. The cyst form of Acanthamoeba castellanii was more resistant to all biocides tested than the trophozoite form. Of the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of applied bacteriology Vol. 81; no. 1; p. 73
Main Authors Khunkitti, W, Lloyd, D, Furr, J R, Russell, A D
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.07.1996
Subjects
Acanthamoeba - drug effects
Acanthamoeba - physiology
Amebicides - pharmacology
Animals
Biguanides - pharmacology
Spores - drug effects
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Summary:The effects of a range of biocides on trophozoite and encysted forms of Acanthamoeba castellanii were investigated. Viable acanthamoebae were enumerated by a plaque assay technique. The cyst form of Acanthamoeba castellanii was more resistant to all biocides tested than the trophozoite form. Of the biocides tested, chlorhexidine diacetate (CHA) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) were the most effective. Their lethal effects were time- and concentration-dependent. CHA was very effective when formulated in 0.1% EDTA combined with Tris buffer pH 7.8 whereas PHMB activity was reduced by 0.1% EDTA. Three per cent dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) enhanced the activity of CHA but not of PHMB.
ISSN:0021-8847
2056-5232
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2672.1996.tb03284.x