The effects of co-trimoxazole used in conventional and homeopathic preparations upon growth of E. coli and S. aureus

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the effect of cotrimoxazole prepared in conventional form , homoeopathic form and a mixture of both forms, on E. coli and S. aureus in terms of maximum specific growth rate, time taken to reach maximum specific growth rate, maximum cell population and metabolic activity for the purpose of evaluating the efficacy of cotrimoxazole when used in a homoeopathic form. Co-trimoxazole used conventionally, homoeopathically (9CH or 15CH) and a mixture containing the conventional and homoeopathic (9CH or 15CH) forms were compared. The growth of E. coli and aureus in the presence of these medications (added separately) was monitored. Enumeration of colony forming units was conducted at 0 i 6 i 12 i 24 and 48 hours , by the serial dilution - spread plate procedure. This was conducted in triplicate. Enzyme activity was used as an indicator of metabolic activity and was done at times 0 i 12 i 24 and 48 hours. The maximum specific growth rate (MSGR) , time taken to reach maximum specific growth rate were calculated and compared for the various preparations. Enzyme reactions were semiquantitively assessed. The conventional antibiotic decreased cell growth of both E. coli and S. aureus when compared to the control. Inhibition of coli growth was most pronounced after 6 hours and that of S.aureus after times 6 and 48 hours. The MSGR for E. coli showed