A Microbiological Investigation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Sandalwood Oil and Mupirocin Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Enterococcus Faecalis

Abstract

The root canal is an intricate structure that facilitates the growth of microorganisms, as it is enclosed and lacks an oxygen supply. Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are frequently associated with retreated teeth or persistent infections, resulting in unsuccessful endodontic treatment. There has been increased interest in essential oils because of their lack of toxic effects. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of C26H44O9 (mupirocin) and sandalwood oil against E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa by determining their minimum inhibitory concentrations so that they can be used as intracanal medicaments in endodontic infections. Eight clinical isolates each of E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa and two control strains were included. The MICs of Mupirocin and Sandalwood oil were determined via the broth dilution technique. The inoculum of each bacterium was prepared in Mueller–Hinton broth (MHB) and incubated for 6 hours. Twofold double dilutions of mupirocin and sandalwood oil were prepared in MHB. Ten microliters of bacterial growth mixture was added to each of these dilutions and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The highest dilution of the antibacterial agent that resulted in no turbidity was taken as the MIC. The MBC was recorded by subculturing 2 µl from the tubes that did not show turbidity. The present study revealed that the MIC and MBC of Sandalwood oil were 0.5 µl/µl for seven P. aeruginosa strains, whereas one isolate had an MIC and MBC >0.5. The MICs and MBCs of Sandalwood oil for E. faecalis are as follows. C26H44O9 and sandalwood oil act against E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa at high concentrations and may be used synergistically as intracanal medicaments at low concentrations.