Growth of Escherichia Coli in Atracurium, Rocuronium, Mivacurium, Cisatracurium, Pancuronium, and Vecuronium

Objectives: We studied in vivo growth of Escherichia coli in atracurium, rocuronium, mivacurium, cisatracurium, pancuronium, and vecuronium. Patients and Methods: The pathogen was exposed to atracurium, rocuronium, mivacurium, cisatracurium, pancuronium and vecuronium for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 h at room temperature, respectively. Results: The mean colony counts of Escherichia coli after exposure to rocuronium was significantly lower than the counts after exposure to atracurium, mivacurium, cisatracurium, pancuronium and vecuronium (p=0.002, 0.000, 0.000, 0.001, and 0.002, respectively). No significant difference was found with respect to the mean colony counts with atracurium, mivacurium, cisatracurium, pancuronium and vecuronium (p<0.05). Conclusion: Rocuronium had more powerful antimicrobial effects than the other neuromuscular agents.