Background
Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through Ixodes tick bites, poses significant treatment challenges. Effective antimicrobial agents are essential for managing and mitigating this disease. Ion Gel ZCM-25® is a novel antimicrobial topical formulation designed to target and neutralize such pathogens.
Objective
This study aims to assess the antibacterial efficacy of Ion Gel ZCM-25® against the Borrelia burgdorferi strain (ATCC 35210), following the Mexican Standard NMX-BB-040-SCFI-1999 for germicidal product evaluation.
Methods
A quantitative antimicrobial assay used a specific inoculum concentration of Borrelia burgdorferi. The inoculum was applied to a 100 g sample of Ion Gel ZCM-25®. Antibacterial efficacy was determined by calculating the percentage reduction in bacterial load, measured in Colony Forming Units per milliliter (CFU/mL), at specified time intervals of 10 minutes and 24 hours post-application.
Results
Ion Gel ZCM-25® demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity against Borrelia burgdorferi. The initial bacterial load was reduced by 89.756% within the first 30 seconds, increasing to a 91.341% reduction within 10 minutes. Continued bacterial load reduction was observed over time, indicating a sustained bactericidal effect.
Conclusion
Ion Gel ZCM-25® exhibits potent antibacterial properties against Borrelia burgdorferi (ATCC 35210), highlighting its potential as an effective topical antimicrobial agent for use in healthcare settings and broader clinical applications.