Antifungal activity of chlorhexidine containing mouthrinses. An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Oral candidosis has emerged as an increasing problem in immunocompromised patients because oral cavity represents an important port of entry for systemic fungal infections. METHODS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antifungal activity of 5 commercial mouthrinses containing chlorhexidine (CHX). The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) against six species of yeasts was determined by a broth macrodilution method. The kill-time of mouthrinses at half the concentration of the commercial formulations was also determined. RESULTS: MFCs were achieved with each mouthrinses against all the organisms under test. However, significant differences in MFC values were found for Ebur Os in comparison with Dentosan, Corsodyl and Plak out (p < 0.001). Kill-times of Corsodyl and Dentosan were less than or equal to 120 sec with all the species of yeasts, except Torulopsis glabrata. Significant differences were found in kill-time values between Dentosan and Broxo Din only (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CHX-containing mouthrinses may represent an appropriate alternative to conventional antifungal drugs in the management of oral candidosis. Effectiveness in preventing systemic fungal infections in immunocompromised patients requires further in vivo studies.