Jenifer Nadeau

In vitro antimicrobial properties of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against Dermatophilus congolensis

OBJECTIVE To determine antimicrobial effects of caprylic acid and its derivatives, monocaprylin and sodium caprylate, on Dermatophilus congolensis and to determine effects of caprylic acid on the ultrastructure of D congolensis by use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SAMPLE 3 strains of D congolensis (33411, 33413, and 14639). PROCEDURES Strains of D congolensis were incubated separately under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for up to 48 hours in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth that was supplemented with various concentrations of caprylic acid (7.5, 12.5, 15, 17.5, or 20mM), monocaprylin (2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10mM), or sodium caprylate (15, 50, 60, 70, 100, or 120mM) or contained no antimicrobial treatment. After incubation, bacterial counts were determined by means of plating in triplicate on BHI-agar plates. Caprylic acid-treated or untreated D congolensis samples were embedded in epoxide resin for TEM; cross sections were examined for structural damage. RESULTS Minimum inhibitory concentrations of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against D congolensis were 7.5, 2.5, and 15 mM, respectively. Minimum bactericidal concentrations of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against D congolensis were 15, 5, and 70 mM, respectively. Examination via TEM revealed that a 15-mM concentration of caprylic acid disintegrated the plasma membrane of D congolensis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate could potentially be used to treat D congolensis infections. However, in vivo studies should be undertaken to determine whether these compounds can be considered as treatment options.