Effects Of Cu²⁺,Ag⁺,Zn²⁺ Stress On Growth Of Female Common Microorganisms In Genital Tract

Objectives: The study was conducted to investigate sensitivity of female commonmicroorganisms in genital tract under the stress of metal ions (Cu²⁺,Ag⁺,Zn²⁺).Todiscuss whether these metal have the effect of prevent reproductive tract infectionoutside the contraceptive efficacy.Methods: Used broth dilution method to determined the minimum inhibitoryconcentration （MIC） of Cu²⁺,Ag⁺,Zn²⁺to female common microorganisms in genitaltract （lactobacillus, gardnerella vaginalis and candida albicans）, respectively. Thestock solutions of metal ions were diluted by aseptic water to different concentrations,before added double broth. Mixed some microbial suspension and metal ions, then cultured mixture under suitable condition for a period of time. The minimumconcentration of metal ion without microbial growth by visual inspection is theminimum inhibition concentration （MIC）.Results: Under this experimental condition, the minimum inhibitory concentrations ofCu²⁺,Ag⁺,Zn²⁺for lactobacillus was320,5,640μg/ml, respectively. As for thegardnerella vaginalis was80,10,320μg/ml, respectively.320,2.5,320μg/ml werethe results for candida albicans.Conclusions: All of the experimental metal ions had certain inhibition to the threestrains. For each kind of microorganism, the order of anti-bacterial intensity for thethree metal ions was: Ag⁺>> Cu²⁺≥Zn²⁺. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Cu²⁺, Ag⁺,Zn²⁺stress on growth curves of female common microorganisms in genital tract, toprovide reference ranges of concentrations （doses） for their clinical application.Methods: Prepared different levels of Cu²⁺, Ag⁺, Zn²⁺by mix stock solutions ofmetal ions and the suitable broth medium. The strains（lactobacillus，gardnerellavaginalis and candida albicans） under appropriate condition were timing sampling,to get the data of optical density measured by spectrophotometer in600nm. Draw the growth curves and analyzed the influence of metal ions in different levels ongrowth rate of the stains in logarithmic phase.Results: Cu²⁺in low concentration （5μg/ml） promoted the growth of lactobacillus, andin high concentration （40μg/ml） inhibited growth of lactobacillus while promotedgrowth of candida albicans; The anti-bacterial action of Ag⁺was strong, theexperimental strains were all show growth inhibition; Zn²⁺in10²0μg/mlconcentration range, can promoted the growth of lactobacillus, while inhibited thegrowth of Gardner’s bacteria and candida albicans.Conclusions: Cu²⁺in low concentration （about5μg/ml） and10²0μg/ml Zn²⁺caninhibit the growth of pathogens and help maintain the weak acid environment ofvagina. That’s favourable for preventing and treating lower genital infections. Forthis reason, Zn²⁺and Cu²⁺+Zn²⁺hybrid system should be the ideal choice for thefuture action IUD with antibacterial efficacy. Ag⁺showed excellence antibacterialeffect, so a small amount （<0.625ug/ml） Ag⁺can be added to enhanced antibacterialeffect.