Efficacy and safety of extemporaneously prepared miconazole eye drops in Candida albicans-induced keratomycosis

Candida albicans in the oral cavities of pets: biofilm formation, putative virulence, antifungal resistance profiles and classification of the isolates

The study aimed to investigate Candida albicans presence, antifungal resistance, biofilm formation, putative virulence genes, and molecular characterization in oral samples of dogs and cats. A total of 239 oral samples were collected from cats and dogs of various breeds and ages at Erciyes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Clinics, between May 2017 and April 2018. Among 216 isolates obtained, 15 (6.95%) were identified as C. albicans, while 8 (3.7%) were non-albicans Candida species. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed sensitivities to caspofungin, fluconazole, and flucytosine in varying proportions. Molecular analysis indicated the presence of fluconazole and caspofungin resistance genes in all C. albicans isolates. Additionally, virulence genes ALS1, HWP1, and HSP90 showed variable presence. Biofilm formation varied among isolates, with 46.7% strong, 33.3% moderate, and 20% weak producers. PCA analysis categorized isolates into two main clusters, with some dog isolates grouped separately. The findings underscore the significance of oral care and protective measures in pets due to C. albicans prevalence, biofilm formation, virulence factors, and antifungal resistance in their oral cavity, thereby aiding clinical diagnosis and treatment in veterinary medicine.

Clinical Application and Efficacy of Silver Drug in Ophthalmology: A Literature Review and New Formulation of EYE Drops with Drug Silver (I) Complex of Metronidazole with Improved Dosage Form

The use of silver preparations in medicine is becoming increasingly popular. The basic aim of this evaluation was to review the literature on the clinical (in vivo) and antibacterial potential of silver preparations in ophthalmic diseases. The second goal was to summarize the results of experimental research on the use of silver preparations in ophthalmology. The third objective was to present a method for stabilizing eye drops containing silver (I) complex. Analysis of the pH stability of the silver (I) complex with metronidazole in the prepared dosage form (eye drops) was carried out. Most silver preparations are clinically used for topical application. Few experimental results indicate the usefulness of intraocular or systemic administration of silver (I) preparations as an alternative or additional therapy in infectious and angiogenic eye diseases. The development of a new formulation increases the stability of the dosage form. New forms of silver (I) products will certainly find application in the treatment of many ophthalmic diseases. One of the most important features of the silver (I) complex is its capacity to break down bacterial resistance. The new eye drops formula can significantly improve comfort of use. Due to their chemical nature, silver (I) compounds are difficult to stabilize, especially in the finished dosage form.

Immediate and residual antifungal activity of compounds used for whole body and adjuvant topical therapy against Microsporum canis: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Topical antifungal therapy is recommended to disinfect hairs of dermatophyte-infected animals.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the immediate and residual (24, 48 and 72 h) antifungal activity of commonly used products for focal (n = 11) and whole body application (n = 3).

ANIMALS

Hair samples from naturally infected kittens.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Immediate antifungal activity was assessed using isolated infected spores. In a more robust challenge, toothbrushes containing whole infected hairs were repeatedly treated with products until culture-negative. Residual activity was determined by treating 0.04 g of uninfected hair with test products, allowing hairs to dry and then plating hairs onto fungal culture plates inoculated with Microsporum canis. Residual activity was assessed at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment.

RESULTS

All products showed good efficacy against isolated infected spores. Two products required three treatments to disinfect whole infected hairs (miconazole 0.2% and ketoconazole 0.15%); all other products were efficacious after one treatment. For each product residual activity at 24, 48 and 72 h was similar. For the whole body products, lime sulfur and enilconazole showed residual activity, but as expected none was detected for 2% miconazole nitrate/ 2% chlorhexidine shampoo. For focal therapy products, residual activity was detected for clotrimazole 1%, terbinafine 1%, miconazole at 0.2, 1 or 2% (with or without chlorhexidine), climbazole 0.5% with chlorhexidine gluconate, and ketoconazole 1% with chlorhexidine gluconate. A ketoconazole 0.15% with 0.15% chlorhexidine gluconate showed no residual activity.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Findings support twice weekly application of enilconazole and lime sulfur, and application of adjuvant focal topical therapy daily or every other day.

Physical, chemical, and microbiological stability study of diluted atropine eye drops

Background

Atropine eye drops are indicated for juvenile myopia progression, cycloplegia, amblyopia, and strabismus. According to the package insert, 10 mg/mL atropine eye drops must be diluted for pediatric patients to prevent systemic adverse effects. Compounding units in hospital pharmaceutical departments or community pharmacies are compelled to prepare this essential medication; however, validated atropine stability data is limited and the shelf life after preparation is extremely short. As it is a long-term treatment, a longer shelf life is necessary to improve patient care. This study aimed to demonstrate the physical, chemical, and microbiological stability of diluted atropine eye drops over a period of six months.

Methods

Preparation consists of dilution of a 10 mg/mL atropine solution (Nitten Atropine Ophthalmic Solution 1%; Nitten Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) in 0.9% NaCl to concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/mL, followed by a sterilizing filtration procedure and then an aseptic filling process of 5 mL in 5 mL polyethylene eyedropper bottles. The entire process is carried out in an overpressure isolator. All concentration products were kept for six months at 25 °C or 5 °C. Visual inspection was conducted and pH, osmolality, and atropine concentration were measured at day 0, day 14, day 28, and every month until six months. Atropine concentration was measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The sterility was monitored using a method adapted from the Japanese Pharmacopoeia sterility assay.

Results

Atropine remained within ±5% of the target value in the six batches. Osmolality (285 mOsm/kg) as well as pH (5.88) were kept constant. No variations in solution characteristics (crystallization, discoloration) were noted. Sterility was maintained.

Conclusions

This study validated the physical, chemical, and microbiological stability of 0.1, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/mL atropine sulfate eye drops conserved inside polyethylene eyedroppers for six months at 25 °C or 5 °C.