THE EFFECT OF IONTOPHORESIS ON BACTERIAL-GROWTH IN URINE

Purpose: To determine the effect of iontophoresis (electrical current for therapeutic purposes) on the growth of pathogenic bacteria in huma n urine. Materials and Methods: Pathogenic bacteria were isolated and inoculated into a dynamic in vitro artificial bladder model. Pooled st erile human urine was regulated through the artificial bladder by intr avenous tubing and pumps to simulate filling and emptying of the human bladder. The effect of electrical current on bacterial growth in the system was then studied. Results: When iontophoresis is applied at low bacterial concentrations (<10(8) colony forming units [CFU]/I), inhib ition of bacterial growth occurs. However, when iontophoresis is appli ed after fulminant growth of bacteria (>10(8) CPU/I.), no inhibition o f bacterial growth occurs. Iontophoresis was not found to enhance the antibacterial action of gentamicin to resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Conclusions: Iontophoresis inhibits bacterial growth at low bacteria l concentrations. It does not inhibit bacterial growth after infectiou s levels have been attained, and it does not potentiate the action of gentamicin on resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.