Background:
The development and progression of periodontal diseases is a result of the dynamic interaction of microorganisms within their habitat, and changes in this habitat generate a dysbiotic state.
Fusobacterium nucleatum
and
Prevotella intermedia
are bridging microorganisms between the pioneer communities and other microorganisms responsible for periodontitis such as
Porphyromonas gingivalis
. Tetracycline hydrochloride (TTC-HCl) is commonly used as a coadjutant in periodontal treatment in the form of an antiseptic. However, there are no clear dilution or concentration protocols.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the
in vitro
antimicrobial activity of TTC-HCl diluted in sterile water, saline solution, and 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:80,000 at concentration of 125, 250, and 500 mg, at three time points– 30, 60, and 120 s – on
P. intermedia
,
F. nucleatum
, and
P. gingivalis
using the Kelsey–Maurer technique.
Materials and Methods:
The antimicrobial activity of TTC-HCl was evaluated at the proposed concentrations and times, dissolved in the different vehicles at pH 1.9 and 7.0, on
F. nucleatum
,
P. intermedia
, and
P. gingivalis
. The Kelsey–Maurer test was used to verify the presence or absence of colony-forming units. Each test was performed in triplicates with its respective viability controls.
Results:
Inhibition of
F. nucleatum
,
P. intermedia
, and
P. gingivalis
was achieved with TTC-HCl at all concentrations, dissolved in distilled water, saline solution, and 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:80,000 for all times.
Conclusions:
The results show that TTC-HCl is a good antimicrobial alternative against
F. nucleatum
,
P. intermedia
, and
P. gingivalis
regardless of the vehicle in which it was dissolved, concentration, pH, or time used in this investigation.