Antimicrobial combination effect tests

Abbreviations TAMC = total aerobic count TCYMC = total combined yeasts and molds AET = antimicrobial effectiveness test CCl = container-closure integrity A = water activity. 

Although not performed routinely during the clinical man- agement of patients with infections, data from certain laboratory tests (e.g., minimal bactericidal concentration tests, timed-kill tests, post-antibiotic-effect tests, and antimicrobial combination testing) are important for the clinician to understand because they help to determine an antimicrobial s pharmacodynamic properties. 

An antimicrobial agent that reduces dental plaque and can be deUvered effectively from toothpaste is a combination of Triclosan [3380-34-5] (0.2% in the toothpaste) and zinc citrate (0.5%) (7). This agent influenced plaque accumulation and reduced the incidence of gingival bleeding in clinical tests. Additional dentifrices for improved gingival health are in the offing. 

Different organic acids, primarily lactic acid, have been successfully used for decontamination of whole livestock carcasses, and the application of different organic acids used for decontamination has also been tested in the fruit and vegetable industry. Organic acids other than lactic acid that are known to have bactericidal effects are acetic, benzoic, citric, malic, propanoic, sorbic, succinic and tartaric acids (Betts and Everis 2005). The antimicrobial action is due to a reduction in the pH in the bacterial environment, disruption of membrane transport, anion accumulation or a reduction in the internal pH in the cell (Busta et al., 2001). Many fruits contain naturally occurring organic acids. Nevertheless, some strains, for example E. coli 0157, are adapted to an acidic environment. Its survival, in combination with its low infective dose, makes it a health hazard for humans. 

Ayala-Zavala and others (2005) tested the effects of different natural antimicrobial volatiles (methyl jasmonate, ethanol, and their combination) on the phytochemical... 

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