Effect of cadmium and zinc on microbial adherence.

A study has been made of the effect of cadmium chloride and zinc acetate on the adherence of Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans to buccal cells from man. Cadmium led to a significant decrease in the adherence of the three microorganisms tested. Zinc increased the adherence of S. faecalis and E. coli. These alterations in adherence were suppressed by chelating agents. S. faecalis grown in the presence of zinc or cadmium exhibited a decrease in adhesiveness. Pre-incubation of organisms with zinc interfered with the inhibitory effect of cadmium.