An In Vitro Comparison of the Effect of Wound Irrigating Solution (0.01% Hypochlorous Acid) and 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite Against Enterococcus Faecalis

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity of normal saline, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, and 0.01% hypochlorous acid against Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antimicrobial activity was assayed by Kirby–Bauer cup-well agar diffusion method. Three cup-wells were bored in each petriplate and were filled with 50 μl of each of the respective test agents. Culture plates were placed in an incubator at 37°C and after 24 hours, the size of the magnification inhibition zone was quantified with a caliper and recorded in respective tables. The experiment was reiterated ten times for each reagent, and the diameter of the magnification inhibition zones caused by the irrigation solutions was recorded. The antimicrobial activity of the three test solutions was determined. RESULTS: The antibacterial property of the three groups was compared by utilizing ANOVA test. The association was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.000). The antibacterial property between 2.5% NaOCl and 0.01% HOCl was further compared with independent t test. This association was however not statistically significant (P = 0.02).