Inactivation of resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa by antibacterial combinations

Abstract

Abstract P. aeruginosa resistant to preservative concentrations of benzalkonium chloride, phenylmercuric nitrate and chlorocresol in nutrient broth was inactivated by using phenylethanol-antibacterial combinations. EDTA-antibacterial combinations also showed increased activity using benzalkonium and chlorocresol. P. aeruginosa resistant to 0·25% chlorbutol was inactivated using phenylethanol-chlorbutol combinations at concentrations which were ineffective alone. Similarly P. aeruginosa having an increased resistance to chlorhexidine was inactivated by phenylethanol-chlorhexidine combinations at concentrations that were ineffective alone. Phenylethanol showed a greater general usefulness than EDTA at the concentrations tested.