Antimicrobial effects of ropivacaine, levobupivacaine and bupivacaine at different temperatures

Aim: Various prior studies have shown a possible antimicrobial activity of different local anesthetic (LA) drugs. The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial (antibacterial or antifungal) activity of commonly used commercially available LA drugs used in regional anesthesia practice such as; ropivacaine, levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on S.aureus ATCC 6538, S. epidermidis, E.coli and Candida albicans at different temperatures. Material and Methods: Possible antimicrobial effects of ropivacaine (1% and 0.125%), levobupivacaine (0.75% and 0.125%) and bupivacaine (0.5% and 0.125%) on S.aureus ATCC 6538, S.epidermidis, E.coli and C.albicans ATCC 10231, which were isolated from patients in the microbiology laboratory were investigated at 240C and 37C. Results: All three LA drugs showed antifungal activity at 37°C and 24°C in 3rd and 12th hours. Levobupivacaine’s (0.75%) antibacterial effect was observed at the 12th hour. Ropivacaine (1%) had relatively more antibacterial effect at the 3rd and 12th hour at 37°C rather than 24°C whereas bupivacaine had less. Conclusion: Potential clinical implications of antibacterial or antifungal effects of local anesthetics might be promising.