Broad spectrum antifungal agents in otomycosis

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Pharmacology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Otomycosis is a common fungal ear infection.
• Antimycotic agents are used to treat fungal infections.
• Evaluating the efficacy of existing antimycotics is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the in vitro antifungal activity of four antimycotic agents: clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, and cyclopirox-olamine.
• To compare the efficacy of these agents against a wide range of fungal isolates.
• To evaluate the in vivo efficacy and safety of econazole for otomycosis treatment.

Main Methods:

• Serial dilution procedure was used to determine in vitro inhibitory concentrations.
• 304 fungal isolates from 51 species and 14 genera of moulds and yeasts were tested.
• Clinical efficacy and side-effects of econazole 1% solution were assessed in vivo for otomycosis.

Main Results:

• Clotrimazole and econazole exhibited broad-spectrum activity, inhibiting all tested yeasts and moulds at 0.1-4 µg/ml.
• Miconazole inhibited 90% of strains, while cyclopirox-olamine inhibited only 57%, indicating lower efficacy.
• Econazole 1% solution was highly effective in treating otomycosis within 1-3 weeks, with no reported side-effects.

Conclusions:

• Clotrimazole and econazole possess significant broad-spectrum antifungal activity.
• Due to their efficacy and safety profile, clotrimazole and econazole are recommended as first-line treatments for otomycosis.
• Econazole is a safe and effective therapeutic option for otomycosis when used as otic drops.