Posters

Topical eugenol successfully treats Candida albicans-induced keratitis

Poster Details

First Author: A.Abdelghany EGYPT

Co Author(s):    M. Genidy   S. Abdelwahab   M. Kamel   J. Alio   H. Hassan   M. Abd-Elghany   H. Sarhan  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most frequent cause of fungal keratitis in temperate regions. It contributes to the increased blindness among patients; particularly in developing countries. Importantly, there are very limited antifungals for topical ophthalmic application. Data examining the effectiveness of antifungal natural products in treating keratitis are scarce. We need to show the efficacy of eugenol in treating Candida albicans- induced keratitis.

Setting:

Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

Methods:

In this study, in vitro antifungal activity of eugenol and fluconazole (control) were tested against C. albicans strains by the microbroth dilution method according to CLSI guidelines. Also, a rabbit model of C. albicans keratitis was used. Rabbits were classified into no treatment control (group1) and those that started eugenol treatment immediately (group2) or after four days (group3) of keratitis induction (n=12-16 rabbits/group). The two treatment groups were assigned to 50μL of 4mg/ml eugenol drops hourly for 15 days while the control group had saline.

Results:

The in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations of eugenol and fluconazole against C. albicans were 2 and >0.4mg/ml, respectively. A 4mg/ml preparation of eugenol in propylene glycol was the maximum nontoxic dose on rabbit corneas as suggested by clinical and histopathologic findings. The 4mg/ml eugenol eye drops were detected in corneal tissue supernatant of rabbits by HPLC analysis. At least 75% of all eugenol treated groups recovered from keratitis.

Conclusions:

These data indicate that eugenol can act as a natural, safe and effective treatment for Candida albicans- induced keratitis; whether treatment started at the time of- or even after four days of keratitis induction.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE