Editorial Type:
Antimicrobials

In vitro antimicrobial properties of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against Dermatophilus congolensis

Satyender Rao Valipe Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269.

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 BVSc&AH, MS
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Jenifer Ann Nadeau Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269.

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 PhD
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Thirunavukkarasu Annamali Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269.

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 PhD
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Kumar Venkitanarayanan Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269.

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Thomas Hoagland Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.72.3.331
Volume/Issue:
Volume 72: Issue 3
Online Publication Date:
01 Mar 2011
Restricted access
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Abstract

Objective—To determine antimicrobial effects of caprylic acid and its derivatives, monocaprylin and sodium caprylate, on Dermatophilus congolensis and to determine effects of caprylic acid on the ultrastructure of D congolensis by use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Sample—3 strains of D congolensis (33411, 33413, and 14639).

Procedures—Strains of D congolensis were incubated separately under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for up to 48 hours in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth that was supplemented with various concentrations of caprylic acid (7.5, 12.5, 15, 17.5, or 20mM), monocaprylin (2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10mM), or sodium caprylate (15, 50, 60, 70, 100, or 120mM) or contained no antimicrobial treatment. After incubation, bacterial counts were determined by means of plating in triplicate on BHI-agar plates. Caprylic acid-treated or untreated D congolensis samples were embedded in epoxide resin for TEM; cross sections were examined for structural damage.

Results—Minimum inhibitory concentrations of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against D congolensis were 7.5, 2.5, and 15mM, respectively. Minimum bactericidal concentrations of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against D congolensis were 15, 5, and 70mM, respectively. Examination via TEM revealed that a 15-mM concentration of caprylic acid disintegrated the plasma membrane of D congolensis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate could potentially be used to treat D congolensis infections. However, in vivo studies should be undertaken to determine whether these compounds can be considered as treatment options.

Abstract

Objective—To determine antimicrobial effects of caprylic acid and its derivatives, monocaprylin and sodium caprylate, on Dermatophilus congolensis and to determine effects of caprylic acid on the ultrastructure of D congolensis by use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Sample—3 strains of D congolensis (33411, 33413, and 14639).

Procedures—Strains of D congolensis were incubated separately under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for up to 48 hours in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth that was supplemented with various concentrations of caprylic acid (7.5, 12.5, 15, 17.5, or 20mM), monocaprylin (2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10mM), or sodium caprylate (15, 50, 60, 70, 100, or 120mM) or contained no antimicrobial treatment. After incubation, bacterial counts were determined by means of plating in triplicate on BHI-agar plates. Caprylic acid-treated or untreated D congolensis samples were embedded in epoxide resin for TEM; cross sections were examined for structural damage.

Results—Minimum inhibitory concentrations of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against D congolensis were 7.5, 2.5, and 15mM, respectively. Minimum bactericidal concentrations of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against D congolensis were 15, 5, and 70mM, respectively. Examination via TEM revealed that a 15-mM concentration of caprylic acid disintegrated the plasma membrane of D congolensis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate could potentially be used to treat D congolensis infections. However, in vivo studies should be undertaken to determine whether these compounds can be considered as treatment options.

Contributor Notes

Address correspondence to Dr. Nadeau (jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Mar 2011
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