THE MEMBRANE DESTABILIZING ACTION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT CHLORHEXIDINE

The antibacterial agent chlorhexidine has long been used as an agent f or medical antisepsis. This compound is a membrane active agent which probably has its major antibacterial action by interference with the f unction of cellular membranes. The results demonstrated an inhibition of oxygen utilisation by bacteria which was related to falls in cellul ar ATP levels. There was an effect on the outer membranes of Gram-nega tive bacteria which allowed the release of periplasmic enzymes. The in ner membrane was not ruptured but its functionality was breached and t here was an inhibition of active uptake of small molecules which did n ot appear to be related to cellular ATP levels.