Cytological aspects of the mode of action of chlorhexidine diacetate

Electron microscopic examination of ultra-thin sections of Escherichia coli cells treated with various concentrations of chlorhexidine diacetate reveal two effects. In low drug concentrations many cells lose electron dense material leaving behind empty shells, in higher concentrations the appearance of the cytoplasm is significantly affected. These results are discussed in the light of biochemical findings under identical conditions.