Investigation of In Vitro Efficacy of Boric Acid on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Diabetic Foot Infections

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of boric acid as an antiseptic agent for use in wound care against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) strains isolated from diabetic foot infections. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 P. aeruginosa strains isolated from diabetic foot infections were included in the study between January 2010 and June 2015. The susceptibility of these strains to various antibiotics was determined. Dilutions of various concentrations were prepared from boric acid to test these strains' growth at different concentrations. Our study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Results: At the end of the incubation period, growth was observed in all isolates to which 1.6 mg/l boric acid solution was exposed. No growth was observed in any of the 25 wells to which 25 mg/l, 50 mg/l, and 100 mg/l boric acid solution was added. A significant difference was observed between the lowest concentration without reproduction (25 mg/l boric acid) and other concentrations where reproduction was detected. The minimum inhibitory concentration of boric acid for P. aeruginosa was 25 mg/l. High antibiotic resistance was noteworthy in P. aeruginosa strains, which reproduced at low boric acid concentrations. Conclusion: Boric acid has an in vitro inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa strains isolated from diabetic foot infections. Low-cost boric acid may be a suitable option for the local treatment of diabetic foot infections caused by P. aeruginosa.