Research news in clinical context
Published Date: 19th July 2021
Publication Authors: Thomson-Glover R
Extract
Regular use of an antibacterial mouthwash does not prevent oropharyngeal gonococcal infection
The double-blind Oral Mouthwash use to Eradicate GonorrhoeA (OMEGA) trial randomised men who have sex with men to rinse and gargle at least once daily for 60 s with either an antibacterial mouthwash (Listerine; n=219) or a mouth lubricant as control (Biotène; n=227) for a total of 12 weeks.1 2 Oropharyngeal swabs were collected 6-weekly and saliva 3-weekly. The number of incident cases of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea was 15 (7%) in the Listerine group and 10 (4%) in the Biotène group. At week 12, the adjusted risk difference in the cumulative incidence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea between the two groups was 3.1% (95% CI −1.4 to 7.7). While the large CI indicates the need for further data, these initial findings do not support a protective effect of Listerine against oropharyngeal gonorrhoea.
Ceccherini-Silberstein, F; Desai, M; Thomson-Glover, R. (2021). Research news in clinical context. Sexually Transmitted Infections. 97 (5), 321-322