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Antifungal efficacy of natamycin in experimental fusarium solani keratitis

Xian-Hui Dong1, Wei-Juan Gao, Xiao-Ping He

  • 1Laboratory of Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation of Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China.

International Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 5, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Topical Natamycin, produced in China, effectively treats experimental Fusarium solani keratitis in rabbits, matching Natacyn's efficacy. This study supports its clinical use for fungal keratitis.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Fungal keratitis is a significant cause of visual impairment.
  • Fusarium solani is a common fungal pathogen responsible for keratitis.
  • Topical Natamycin is an established antifungal agent for fungal eye infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Chinese-manufactured topical Natamycin against Fusarium solani keratitis in a rabbit model.
  • To provide an experimental basis for the clinical application and safety of topical Natamycin.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental fungal keratitis was induced in New Zealand rabbits using Fusarium solani.
  • Rabbits were divided into three groups: topical Natamycin, topical Natacyn, and topical saline (control).
  • Clinical examinations using a slit lamp and ulcer scoring system were performed on days 4, 10, 15, and 21 to assess healing, vascularization, iritis, hypopyon, and macular nebula.

Main Results:

  • Both Natamycin and Natacyn groups showed significantly reduced ulcer scores compared to the control group (P<0.01) by day 21.
  • The cure rates for Natamycin and Natacyn groups reached 100% by day 21, significantly higher than the control.
  • Fewer instances of corneal vascularization, iritis, hypopyon, and macular nebula were observed in the Natamycin and Natacyn groups compared to the control group (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Topical Natamycin is effective in treating experimental fungal keratitis, demonstrating comparable efficacy to Natacyn.
  • Natamycin successfully inhibited key indicators of fungal keratitis, including corneal vascularization, iritis, hypopyon, and macular nebula.
  • Chinese-manufactured Natamycin offers an effective, readily available, and low-toxicity option for managing fungal keratitis.
Keywords:
fungal keratitisfusarium solannatacynnatamycin

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