PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of three antibiotic solutions on human fibroblast viability in vitro.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Human fibroblast cultures are exposed to either cefazolin (5 gm / L), penicillin (5 MU / L) or piperacillin / tazobactam (8 gm / 1 gm / L) for 5 minutes, 30 minutes or 60 minutes. Cell viability is then determined at 1, 2 and 5 days post-treatment using the MTS assay.

RESULTS

Results show that neither the penicillin nor piperacillin / tazobactam irrigation significantly affects fibroblast proliferation or viability when compared to control for each time point. After five days, however, cefazolin irrigation significantly increases cell counts after a 5, 30 or 60 minute treatment. This effect was also seen after only 48 hours with a 5 or 30 minute treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose cefazolin, penicillin or piperacillin / tazobactam irrigation solutions do not appear to be toxic to human fibroblast cells in culture. Their effect on fibroblast function, such as collagen production, needs to be further elucidated. We propose that high-dose antibiotic solutions, while known to be efficacious in decreasing bacterial load, may also preserve the role of the fibroblast in wound healing.