Efficacy of Topical Phenytoin on Microbial Load of Oral Wounds

To treat wounds, various treatment methods are used,including chemical, herbal, homeopathic and laser treatments, the main goal of which is faster, less complication, and at the same time lower cost of wounds. Topical phenytoin also has a positive effect on wound healing.The aim of present study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of topical 1% phenytoin on microbial contamination caused by microorganisms affecting oral ulcer infection in an animal model.

In this experimental animal experimental study in 2019, 36 male rafts were selected. After anesthetizing the rats, the mandibular gingiva was flapped. Three types of microbial microorganisms including Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Actinomycosis were prepared. An equal number of microorganisms was placed at the incision site. Rats were randomly divided into two groups. In 18 rats 1% topical phenytoin powder was applied to the wounds, and in the remaining 18 rats no drug was applied to the wound. Finally, 36 samples of incisal biopsy were cultured in specific media for each microorganism and transferred to the laboratory. Colonies counted in phenytoin groups were compared with non-phenytoin groups. Data were analysed by Mann-Whitney test  by means of SPSS 22 software.

Mean±sd and Pvalue colonies of Staphylococcus aureus case and control groups respectively(124827±301378) and(807±1209),(P=0.259), Candida albicans(1750±1339)and(2357±4679),(P=0.423) and Actinomyces (16088±36721)and(47±114)(P=0.049)were not statistically significant between the phenytoin and control groups.

 It seems that 1% topical phenytoin powder after one use had no effect on reducing the microbial contamination of oral ulcers in laboratory rat.