Enhanced activity of octiset® versus octenidine against polymicrobial bacterial vaginosis biofilms in vitro and ex vivo.
Octiset® showed superior activity against bacterial vaginosis biofilms compared to octenidine in laboratory models, but clinical relevance remains uncertain.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the ll-37 corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of octiset® compared with octenidine against bacterial vaginosis biofilms. The compounds were tested in both in vitro and ex vivo models. Results indicated that octiset® demonstrated superior killing compared to octenidine.
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and is strongly associated with polymicrobial biofilms, which contribute to antimicrobial tolerance and high recurrence rates. New strategies targeting BV-associated biofilms are therefore needed. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of octenidine dihydrochloride/phenoxyethanol (Octiset®) compared with octenidine dihydrochloride (octenidine) alone in in vitro and ex vivo BV biofilm models. Methods Planktonic cultures and biofilms of BV-associated species (Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae, Prevotella bivia, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius and Mobiluncus curtisii) were established under anaerobic conditions. Planktonic suspensions were exposed for 24 h to octiset® (50%, 25%) or octenidine (0.1%, 0.05%). Single-species and polymicrobial biofilms were formed for 24 h and treated with octiset® or octenidine up to 12 h. Additionally, polymicrobial biofilms were established on reconstructed human vaginal epithelium (SkinEthic™ HVE) and treated for 8 h. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed by CFU quantification. Recovery experiments were performed to determine whether residual culturable cells persisted after treatment, by incubating samples in fresh medium for up to 72 h and subsequently quantifying CFUs. Antimicrobial activity was also tested against species associated with healthy vaginal microbiota, by assessing vaginal lactobacilli susceptibility to both compounds. Results Both compounds showed time- and concentration-dependent activity. Octiset® consistently demonstrated superior killing compared to octenidine, including eradication of several single-species biofilms. Polymicrobial biofilms showed increased tolerance; however, extended exposure (≥8 h) reduced CFUs below detection for both agents, with no regrowth observed after 72 h. In the ex vivo model, both treatments reduced biofilm growth below the limit of detection. All tested lactobacilli also showed susceptibility to both compounds. Conclusion Octiset® and octenidine exhibited strong antibiofilm activity against BV-associated polymicrobial biofilms in vitro and ex vivo, supporting their potential as biofilm-targeted BV treatment approaches.
Background
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and is associated with polymicrobial biofilms that contribute to antimicrobial tolerance and recurrence. Previous studies have indicated the need for new strategies targeting these biofilms. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of octiset® versus octenidine in addressing BV-associated biofilms, which is critical for developing effective treatment options.
Methods
The study established planktonic cultures and biofilms of BV-associated species under anaerobic conditions. Planktonic suspensions were exposed for 24 hours to octiset® at concentrations of 50% and 25%, and octenidine at 0.1% and 0.05%. Biofilms were treated for up to 12 hours, and an ex vivo model was used with reconstructed human vaginal epithelium, treated for 8 hours. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed by CFU quantification.
Results
Both compounds exhibited time- and concentration-dependent activity. Extended exposure (≥8 h) reduced CFUs below detection for both octiset® and octenidine, with no regrowth observed after 72 hours. In the ex vivo model, both treatments effectively reduced biofilm growth below the limit of detection.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that octiset® may offer enhanced efficacy over octenidine against BV-associated biofilms. However, the study's reliance on in vitro and ex vivo models raises questions about the clinical relevance of the results. The lack of human data and potential confounding factors limit the conclusions that can be drawn for practical applications.
Key findings
- Octiset® consistently demonstrated superior killing compared to octenidine.
- Polymicrobial biofilms showed increased tolerance; however, extended exposure (≥8 h) reduced CFUs below detection for both agents.
- No regrowth was observed after 72 h following treatment with both agents.
- Both treatments reduced biofilm growth below the limit of detection in the ex vivo model.
- All tested lactobacilli showed susceptibility to both compounds.
Limitations
- In vitro and ex vivo models may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.
- No human clinical data reported.
- Limited sample size and scope of tested species.