Comparing the Efficacy of Triclosan versus Chlorhexidine Coated Suture

Among antimicrobials, triclosan and chlorohexidine have a broad antibacterial spectrum as well as high biocompatibility indices. Triclosan, an antibacterial coated polyglactin 910(vicryl plus) and chlorohexidine, an antibacterial coated polyglactin 910(3-0) (PECTRYL CS, Dolphin suture) which replace the conventional method of administering antibiotic in routine third molar surgeries and help in maximizing antimicrobial benefits locally and reducing antibiotic load systematically and the complications that follow. Apart from promising study result of triclosan- coated sutures, triclosan also has drawbacks including formation of toxic side products(e.g. chlorinated phenols, methyl triclosan) and antibiotic resistances, likely due to its prevalence in cosmetics and soap. Additionally, triclosan promotes the protein mediated binding of staphylococci to host cells with the consequence of an increased number of nasal infections caused by S. aureus colonization in the presence of triclosan. Due to these restrictions in the use of triclosan, alternatives are urgently needed. Chlorohexidine are highly effective alternatives, inhibiting relevant pathogens of wound infections.