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Antimicrobial activity of topical dyes used in clinical veterinary ophthalmology
Author(s) -
Ferreira Thiago Alegre Coelho,
Warth José Francisco Ghignatti,
Santos Lucianne Leigue,
Moore Bret A.,
MontianiFerreira Fabiano
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
veterinary ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.594
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1463-5224
pISSN - 1463-5216
DOI - 10.1111/vop.12746
Subject(s) - rose bengal , preservative , antimicrobial , fluorescein , microbiology and biotechnology , staphylococcus aureus , bacterial growth , pseudomonas aeruginosa , bacteria , medicine , chemistry , biology , food science , fluorescence , physics , genetics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
Abstract Objective To evaluate in vitro the antibacterial effects of fluorescein, rose bengal, and lissamine green topical ophthalmic dyes against selected Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, and to evaluate whether preserved or preservative‐free fluorescein solutions are able to inhibit or potentiate bacterial growth. Procedures Susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby‐Bauer disk diffusion method plated with clinical ocular isolates of Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus pseudintermedius , Streptococcus spp. , Escherichia coli , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Bacterial growth inhibition was evaluated 24 hours following the addition of commercially available fluorescein, rose bengal, and lissamine green sterile strips. Antimicrobial effectiveness testing was performed by inoculation of compounded 1% dye solutions, both with and without preservatives (fluorescein and lissamine contained thiomersal, and rose bengal contained nipagin and nepazol), with the five previously mentioned bacteria. Growth was evaluated at days 7, 14, and 28. Results All dyes showed antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive organisms. Preservative‐free compounded 1% fluorescein solution inhibited growth of Gram‐positive organisms but not of Gram‐negative organisms. Preservative‐free rose bengal and lissamine green inhibited growth of both types of organisms. Conclusions Preferably, ocular surface samples for antimicrobial culture should be taken prior to the administration of topical dyes, due to their potential antibacterial activity, particularly if undiluted strips are applied directly or commercial fluorescein solutions are used and not immediately rinsed. Ophthalmic dye solutions containing preservative are safe from bacterial growth for up to 28 days if properly handled and stored. The use of preservative‐free fluorescein solutions should be avoided and preservative‐free rose bengal and lissamine green should be handled carefully.