Effect of Anti-Microbial Fiber and its Interaction with Penicillin G on Opportunistic Skin Micro-Flora

Abstract

Objective The standard of hygiene in daily life and hospitals can be increased by the use of new antimicrobial fibers, which diminish the danger of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the antimicrobial effect of special fibers on some staphylococcus isolates was investigated. Materials and Methods The antimicrobial effect of special type of fibers produced in Isfahan Poly Acryl Plant on three species of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, <em>epidermidis</em> and <em>lugdunensis</em> isolated from 96 samples of hand and foot skin micro-flora was studied. The sensitivity of strains regarding resistant strains, to various antibiotics and beta-lactamase enzyme production was studied. The most resistance to antibiotics and beta-lactamase producer were chosen. Using the cup plate method, the inhibiting effect of pure antimicrobial agent on these strains was proven. Next, using shake flask method the effect of antimicrobial fiber on these strains was studied. In order to compare the effect of the antimicrobial agent of the fiber with that of penicillin G, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the fiber antimicrobial agent and of penicillin G was tested on the strains. The effect of the interaction of these two antimicrobial agents and their fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) on the chosen strains was studied using checkerboard method. Results The results show a significant effect by antimicrobial fiber with 30%, 60% and 100% antimicrobial agent on <em>Staphylococcus</em> species after 24 hrs. Moreover despite the high level MIC of penicillin G on these bacteria (8-256 µg/ml), the MIC of the pure antimicrobial agent of fiber at a level of 10^-4 µl/ml caused growth inhibition. The interaction of these two antibacterial agents on the chosen strains was evaluated as synergism. Conclusion According to this study the antimicrobial effect of the fiber on growth inhibition of common, resistant skin bacterial flora is positive and therefore may be used after other successful clinical trials.