Acetic acid treatment of pseudomonal wound infections - a review

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant cause of burn wound infections and, skin and soft tissue infections. The antiseptic management is an integral part of the management of wound infections and is essential to control wound infection. Although commonly used, concerns have been raised. Available experimental data suggest that many commonly used antiseptic agents may be toxic to the cells involved in wound healing process and may affect the process of normal tissue repair. In view of this, the present review summarized the various organic acids commonly used as a substitute for antiseptics to control pseudomonal wound infections with special reference to acetic acid and their role in the process of wound healing. Acetic acid is to be kept in mind as one of the alternatives when infection is caused by multiple antibiotic resistant strains of p.aeruginosa. At a time when bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a matter of increasing concern, the value of topical agents such as acetic acid should not be forgotten

Citric acid treatment of superficial nosocomimal infections: a new era in the antimicrobial chemotherapy

To develop a newer, more effective and economical approach to treat superficial nosocomial infections using citric acid as a sole antimicrobial agent. Prospective study to develop alternative therapy to combat the present situation of multiple antibiotic resistance. Department of Microbiology, MIMSR Medical College, Latur, India. 24 cases of superficial nosocomial infections, not responding to traditional antibiotic therapy, were selected. Pus culture and sensitivity were performed. Sensitivity of each pathogen to citric acid was studied. Three percent citric acid was used to treat the infection. Common nosocomial pathogens were found sensitive to citric acid. Topical application of citric acid to wounds successfully eliminated pathogen from the infection site in 3 to 12 applications with healing of wounds. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that citric acid is active against nosocomial pathogens and can be used in the effective management of superficial nosocomial infections caused by multiple antibiotic resistant strains of nosocomial pathogens