Antiseptics versus antibiotics in the treatment of the experimental conjunctivitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus

To evaluate the effect of some antiseptics, which have fewer side effects than antibiotics, an experimental model of bacterial conjunctivitis in vivo was used. This model imitates traumatic Staphylococcus aureus conjunctivitis in the rabbit. At 48 h after infection, polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP)-iodine, bibrocathol (Noviform, NF), ethacridine (Biseptol, BS) and bacitracin+polymyxin B+neomycin (Polyspectran, PS) were applied. NaCl served as the control. At days 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14 a photographic documentation was done, and a swab was taken every 2nd day. In achieving regression of hyperemia, the substance tested were ranked in the following order: PVP, NF, BS, PS, and NaCl. In the elimination of S. aureus, the ranking order was BS, PVP, PS, NaCl, and NF. The overall ranking was PVP, BS, PS, NF, and NaCl. However, the differences were not significant. In this standardized in vivo model of bacterial conjunctivitis, antiseptics are superior over an antibiotic in accomplishing regression of hyperemia and germ elimination.