Bactericidal activity of citrate against Gram-positive cocci

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Abstract
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are now important nosocomial pathogens and are usually resistant to multiple antibiotics. Citrate is an alternative antimicrobial product which has been used as a preservative. In this pilot study the bactericidal activity of Na citrate against 10 isolates of CNS and 6 other gram-positive pathogens was examined and compared with that of Na lactate. All staphylococci tested were susceptible (> or = 2 log(10) killing) to citrate at 6.25-25 mg ml(-1). Na lactate showed only modest killing at 50 or 100 mg ml(-1). Citrate may warrant broader evaluation as an antimicrobial additive such as in topical agents.