Biofilm Degradation of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Formed on Stainless Steel Following Treatment with Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) and Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) Essential Oils

Nontuberculous mycobacteria, like other opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens, produce resistant biofilms on various surfaces in the system including pipes, tanks, and fittings. Since standard methods of water disinfection are ineffective eradicating biofilms, research into new agents is necessary. Essential oils (EOs) have great potential as anti-biofilm agents. Therefore, purpose this was to investigate effect common juniper (Juniperus communis) immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) EOs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal (MBC), effective EOs Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, gordonae were tested. Additionally, surface a stainless steel disc treated with single or mixed concentration EOs, order their degeneration via bacterial count confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). H. italicum EO showed strongest biofilm degradation ability against all Mycobacteria strains that The after applications observed gordonae, followed by avium. most intracellulare biofilm. Synergistic combinations J. communis therefore seem be an substance for use small systems such baths hot tubs.