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Effects of prolonged exposure to moderate static magnetic field and its synergistic effects with alkaline pH on Enterococcus faecalis

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Fan W, Huang Z, Fan B · 2018

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Combined treatment with static magnetic field and alkaline pH showed improved antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis compared to either treatment alone, suggesting potential application as a disinfection strategy for dental infections.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This study examined how prolonged exposure to moderate static magnetic field (SMF) at 170 mT, alone and combined with alkaline pH, affects the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis. The results showed that SMF exposure inhibited cell proliferation after 120 hours, and the combination of SMF with alkaline pH demonstrated synergistic antimicrobial effects while simultaneously upregulating stress response and virulence genes in the surviving bacteria.

Why This Matters

Enterococcus faecalis is clinically significant due to its resistance to standard antimicrobial treatments and its role in persistent dental infections. The study's findings on synergistic effects between physical (magnetic field) and chemical (pH) treatments represent an exploratory approach to addressing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, though the concurrent upregulation of virulence genes raises questions about the practical clinical utility of this combination.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Fan W, Huang Z, Fan B (2018). Effects of prolonged exposure to moderate static magnetic field and its synergistic effects with alkaline pH on Enterococcus faecalis.
Show BibTeX
@article{fan_w_huang_z_fan_b_ce4025,
  author = {Fan W and Huang Z and Fan B},
  title = {Effects of prolonged exposure to moderate static magnetic field and its synergistic effects with alkaline pH on Enterococcus faecalis},
  year = {2018},
  doi = {10.1038/nature26000},
  
}
DOI: 10.1038/nature26000PubMed: 29241767

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