The Use of Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) for Killing Some Penicillin-Streptomycin Resistant Organisms Encountered in Infected Root Canals

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Abstract
Enterococci were isolated from infected root canals in 6-8% of the cases following treatment with a penicillin-streptomycin combination. In vitro tests with various antibiotics were performed against 3 of the 4 known groups of enterococci, i.e., Streptococcus zymogenes, S. faecalis and S. liquefaciens. Using a serial dilution method, it was found that chloromycetin was the most effective antibiotic of those tested against the enterococci. It was bactericidal at all strengths ranging from 25 to 0.32 mg./ml. Synergistic effects against the enterococci were not demonstrated when penicillin and streptomycin were used in combination. It is recommended that chloromycetin be added to a combination of penicillin and streptomycin for effective root canal sterilization.