Activity of Drill® lozenges on the main microorganisms responsible for upper respiratory tract infections

Carole Michel (1) , Sylvie Salvatico (1) , Haouaria Belkhelfa (1) , Laïla Haddioui (1) , Christine Roques (1, 2)

1 FONdation pour le DEveloppement de la REcherche PHARmaceutique - FONDEREPHAR (FRANCE)
2 LGC - Laboratoire de Génie Chimique

Objectives: The treatment of sore throat, considered to be essentially due to viral infection, does not require the use of antibiotics. The recommended treatment is therefore based onthe use of topical anaesthetics and antiseptics. Throat lozenges play a leading role in topical treatment by allowing immediate, massive and persistent release of the active molecule at thesite of infection. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the short-term and long-termin vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Drill® lozenges in relation to the main pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections. Material and method: the bactericidal and virucidal activity in relation to the main microorganisms responsible for upper respiratory tract infections, including the H1N1 influenza virus, was evaluated after short (5 minutes) and long (3 hours) contact times, according to a methodology complying with European standards for the evaluation of chemical antiseptics and disinfectants. In parallel, the global antibacterial activity was determined on 30 strains representative of the resident flora by determination of maximum inhibitory dilutions (MID) and maximum bactericidal dilutions (MBD). Results: Drill® lozenges presented an antibacterial activity inducing significant (> 90%) destruction of the main upper respiratory tract pathogens after a 5-minute contact time at high concentration and after a 3-hour contact time after dilution. Drill® lozenges also exerted anantiviral activity inducing 2 log (99%) destruction of the H1N1 virus after a 5-min contact time at high concentration, with maintenance of this activity after dilution (3 hours). A homogeneous antibacterial activity was observed on the resident flora. Conclusion: These in vitro tests confirm the value of chlorhexidine lozenges in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections such as sore throat.

Mots clés: Sore throat; Chlorhexidine; H1N1 virus; Upper respiratorytract infections

Domaines: Génie chimique; Biochimie, Biologie Moléculaire; Pharmacologie

Carole Michel, Sylvie Salvatico, Haouaria Belkhelfa, Laïla Haddioui, Christine Roques. Activity of Drill® lozenges on the main microorganisms responsible for upper respiratory tract infections. European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases, 2013, 130 (4), pp.189-193. ⟨10.1016/j.anorl.2012.09.009⟩. ⟨hal-03467437⟩