Investigation of In Vitro Efficacy of Boric Acid on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Diabetic Foot Infections Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigated the in vitro efficacy of boric acid as an antiseptic agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from diabetic foot infections. The research aimed to determine whether boric acid could serve as a viable alternative for local wound treatment, particularly given the rising issue of antibiotic resistance in diabetic foot infections. Researchers prepared various concentrations of boric acid and tested them on 25 P. aeruginosa strains, evaluating bacterial growth suppression across different boric acid levels.
Who was studied?
The study focused on 25 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from patients with diabetic foot infections between January 2010 and June 2015. Each isolate came from a distinct patient, ensuring no duplication of data. These strains represented a typical clinical cohort where P. aeruginosa plays a significant role in complicating wound healing due to its robust antibiotic resistance and biofilm-forming abilities.
What were the most important findings?
The study demonstrated that boric acid has a notable inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa in vitro. Specifically, no bacterial growth was observed at boric acid concentrations of 25 mg/l or higher, establishing this as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) required to suppress P. aeruginosa. At lower concentrations, varying degrees of bacterial growth persisted, with complete growth seen at 1.6 mg/l and partial suppression at intermediary levels. Importantly, the P. aeruginosa strains exhibited high resistance to common antibiotics such as cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and netilmicin, underscoring the challenge of treating these infections. This research adds to the growing recognition that specific microbial pathogens like P. aeruginosa, often part of the wound microbiome in diabetic foot infections, can be targeted with non-antibiotic antiseptic strategies. The study reinforces boric acid’s broad antimicrobial properties, which extend to inhibiting bacterial growth and potentially biofilm formation, an essential consideration in chronic wound care.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study’s findings suggest that boric acid could offer a cost-effective and practical alternative for local wound care, particularly in settings where antibiotic resistance is prevalent and access to advanced antimicrobial agents is limited. With its confirmed MIC of 25 mg/l against P. aeruginosa, boric acid emerges as a promising agent for reducing bacterial load in diabetic foot infections, potentially improving healing outcomes and reducing reliance on systemic antibiotics. The implications are particularly significant for resource-constrained environments and for addressing the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, because boric acid is well tolerated on intact skin and has a long history of use, its reintroduction into wound care protocols could complement current treatment regimens, helping bridge the gap between conventional antibiotics and effective wound management strategies.