Bacteria, antimicrobial activity

Other Nitrogen Compounds. The basis of the sophisticated nitrogen compounds Hsted in Table 10 is the reaction of formaldehyde with amino compounds. A significant amount of Hterature details investigation of the mechanism of action, particularly whether or not the antimicrobial activity depends on decomposition to formaldehyde (40—42). These compounds tend to have substantial water solubiUty and are more effective against bacteria than fungi and yeasts. Key markets for these compounds are metalworking fluids, cosmetics, and in-can preservation of paints (see Alkanolamines Amines, fatty amines). 

Other appHcations of firefly hioluminescence include measurement of the activity of bacteria in secondary sewage treatment activated sludge (296,297), detection of bacteria in clean rooms and operating rooms, measurement of bacteria in bottled foods, beverages (298), and pharmaceuticals (299), determination of the antimicrobial activity of potential dmgs (300), determination of the viabiHty of seeds (301), and measuring marine biomass concentrations as a function of ocean depth or geographical location (302). 

Povidone—iodine is a brown, water-soluble powder containing approximately 10% iodine. However, the amount of free iodine, which is responsible for the antimicrobial activity, is low in a concentrated solution, but is released as the solution is diluted (41). Concentrated solutions have actually been contaminated with bacteria (42). For use as an antiseptic, povidine—iodine is diluted with water or alcohol to a concentration of 1% iodine. Detergents are added if it is used as a surgical scmb. lodophors are important as broad-spectmm antiseptics for the skin, although they do not have the persistent action of some other antiseptics. They are also used as disinfectants for clinical thermometers that have been used by tuberculous patients, for surface disinfection of tables, etc, and for clean equipment in hospitals, food plants, and dairies, much as chlorine disinfectants are used. 

Phenoxyethanol (2-phenoxyethanol). Typical in-use concentration 1%. It is more active against Ps. aeruginosa than against other bacteria and is usually combined with other preservatives such as the hydroxybenzoates to broaden the spectrum of antimicrobial activity. 

Rifaximin is a synthetic rifamycin derivative, which acts by inhibiting bacterial ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis [48]. It is virtually unabsorbed after oral administration and is, therefore, used primarily to treat gastrointestinal infections. Rifaximin possesses a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, covering Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, both arerobic and anaerobic [49], Several studies [44, 49-62] have shown that in patients with HE rifaximin displays an efficacy similar to that of lactulose and neomycin (table 1). A recently published study [62] compared the efficacy and safety of... 

Gillis JC, Brogden RN Rifaximin. A review of its antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic potential in conditions mediated by gastrointestinal bacteria. Drugs 1995 49 467-484. 

A tree, Scorodocarpus borneensis, native to Borneo and the Malay peninsula, has a garlic-like smell and is known as wood garlic . The fruit is used locally for seasoning. The major volatile flavor compounds from wood garlic are similar to those of garlic itself. Some of these materials are polysulfur compounds and have antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and fungi. These materials contain four sulfur atoms.75 They are either 2,4,6-trithiaheptane-5-thione-2,2-dioxide (CH3-SO2-CH2-S-CS-S-CH3) or derivatives of tetrathia-octane (CH3-S-CH2-S-S-CH2-S-CH 3, CH3-SO2-CH2-S-S-CH2-S-CH3, CH3-S-CH2-SO2-S-CH2-S-CH3). 

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