

By Steven A. Melman, VMD
The following is an excellent review article on the use of our newest product, TrizEDTA , in multiple species. Note the 1,000 fold increase in bactericidal action of several antibiotics and chlorhexidine. Efficacy against E. coli, Proteus, Staph and Pseudomonas are described as well as cases of bovine mastitis, osteomyelitis, rhinitis, cystitis, fistulas, abscesses and otitis.
Clarification: previous articles describe the optional use of unnecessary surfactants (SDS) – the aqueous solution is more than adequate - and optional sterilization in an autoclave - a possibility if treating a sterile area but not necessary for ear therapy.
Antimicrobial potentiation of irrigation solutions containing
tris-[hydroxymethyl] aminomethane-EDTA
J Am Vet Med Assoc 197[11] : 1513-1514 Dec 1'90 Topics in Drug Therapy 20 Refs
*Chris D. Ashworth, DVM; Dale R. Nelson, DVM, MS
*Food Anim Med & Surg Sect of the Dept of Vet Clin Med, College of Vet Med, Univ of Illinois, 1008 W Hazelwood, Urbana, IL 61801
-Review article discussing the use of a combination of tris buffer [tris [hydroxymethyl]aminomethane] and EDTA in antimicrobial irrigation solutions.
INDICATIONS. Tris-EDTA used in combination with antibiotics 'has been shown to be effective in the treatment of coliform cystitis in human beings, bacterial rhinitis in a dog, induced Pseudomonas cystitis in dogs, otitis externa in dogs, and multiple fistulas in a dog.' Tris-EDTA buffer combined with chlorhexidine has been used for reducing bacteriuria associated with intermittent catheterization of humans with spinal cord trauma. The authors have used Tris-ETDA and antibiotic therapy 'successfully' for flushing chronic fistulas, nonresponsive osteomyelitis and coffin joint abscesses in cattle, and chronic nonresponsive bovine Pseudomonas mastitis.
The 4 major pathogens tris-EDTA has been used against clinically include Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It reduces the MIC for Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris, and stops the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
DOSE. EDTA at 1.2 g and tris at 6.05 g are added to 1 L of sterile water for injection, the pH adjusted to 8.0 using a dilute NaOH solution, and the resulting tris-EDTA solution autoclaved for 15 minutes.
The 'bactericidal activity of a 0.01% aqueous solution of chlorhexidine gluconate 1% can be increased 1,000-fold by the addition of EDTA and tris buffer at final concentrations of 1.34 mM and 0.01 M, respectively.'
Synergism between tris-EDTA solutions and gentamicin, penicillin, and oxytetracycline are discussed.
ADVERSE EFFECTS. None seen by the authors.
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