The vaginal microflora of pig-tailed macaques and the effects of chlorhexidine and benzalkonium on this ecosystem

Article Abstract:

Chlorhexidine (CHG) appears to have little effect on the bacteria that normally live in the vagina of monkeys, but benzalkonium chloride (BZK) seems to have a marked effect. CHG is an antiseptic found in vaginal lubricants, and BZK is used to kill sperm in foam contraceptives. Researchers analyzed the bacterial population grown from vaginal swabs of macaques taken before and after two applications one day apart of CHG or BZK. CHG had only minor effects, but BZK greatly reduced the populations of the normal bacterial strains. This points up the importance of evaluating the negative effects of vaginal medications.

Physiological aspects, Bacteria, Antiseptics

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0.25% chlorhexidine gluconate gel: a protective topical microbicide

Article Abstract:

A vaginal antimicrobial gel may prevent chlamydia infection without altering the normal, protective vaginal bacteria. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Researchers plcaced the Chlamydia trachomatis organism in the vagina of monkeys. Some had been pretreated with a single dose of 0.25% chlorhexidine gluconate vaginal gel. All of the unprotected monkeys became infected, but no gel-treated monkey contracted chlamydia. The gel did not alter the normal vaginal lactobacilli or other healthy bacteria.

Health aspects, Prevention, Chlamydia trachomatis, Vagina, Medication by, Vaginal medication, Chlamydia infections

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Effects multiple applications of benzalkonium chloride and nonoxynol 9 on the vaginal epithelium in the pigtailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina)

Article Abstract:

Repeated use of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 may damage vaginal tissue. This spermicide may also kill certain dangerous viruses, including HIV. Researchers exposed 14 macaque monkeys to repeated doses of nonoxynol-9 and benzalkonium chloride delivered vaginally. Benzalkonium chloride also has antibacterial properties. After repeated doses, cervical biopsy specimens showed inflammatory changes. In addition, the chemicals seemed to kill off many beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus.

Complications and side effects, Nonoxynol 9, Chlorides

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