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Antimicrobial activity of topical anaesthetic preparations
Abstract:
Eight commercial topical anaesthetic preparations were tested for their ability to inhibit microbial growth in vitro by incubating serial dilutions with each of 4 micro-organisms. In addition corneas of mice were infected with Staphylococcus aureus, and the effect of the anaesthetics on isolation rates of bacteria was investigated. The preparations were shown to have a wide range of antimicrobial activity, correlating both with the active agents and the preservatives. We suggest that some preparations are unsuitable for use prior to collection of specimens from human corneal ulcers.
Insights
Topical anesthetic preparations show varied antimicrobial activity, impacting bacterial isolation rates. Some may be unsuitable for use before collecting corneal ulcer specimens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Topical anesthetics are commonly used in ophthalmic procedures.
- Their potential antimicrobial effects are not fully characterized.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for accurate microbial diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of commercial topical anesthetic preparations.
- To assess the impact of these anesthetics on bacterial isolation rates from infected corneas.
Main Methods:
- Eight topical anesthetic preparations were tested against four microorganisms using serial dilutions.
- Mouse corneas infected with Staphylococcus aureus were treated to evaluate effects on bacterial isolation.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in antimicrobial activity was observed among the preparations.
- Activity correlated with both active anesthetic agents and preservatives.
- Anesthetics affected bacterial isolation rates in the in vivo model.
Conclusions:
- Some topical anesthetic preparations possess notable antimicrobial properties.
- Certain preparations may interfere with microbial specimen collection from corneal ulcers.
- Clinical use prior to specimen collection requires careful consideration.