The Effect of Iontophoresis on Bacterial Growth in Urine

Abstract

Purpose To determine the effect of iontophoresis (electrical current for therapeutic purposes) on the growth of pathogenic bacteria in human urine. Materials and Methods Pathogenic bacteria were isolated and inoculated into a dynamic in vitro artificial bladder model. Pooled sterile human urine was regulated through the artificial bladder by intravenous tubing and pumps to simulate filling and emptying of the human bladder. The effect of electrical current on bacterial growth in the system was then studied. Results When iontophoresis is applied at low bacterial concentrations (less than 10 8 colony forming units [CFU]/l.), inhibition of bacterial growth occurs. However, when iontophoresis is applied after fulminant growth of bacteria (greater than 10 8 CFU/l.), no inhibition of bacterial growth occurs. Iontophoresis was not found to enhance the antibacterial action of gentamicin to resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions Iontophoresis inhibits bacterial growth at low bacterial concentrations. It does not inhibit bacterial growth after infectious levels have been attained, and it does not potentiate the action of gentamicin on resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.