Effective Eye Infection Treatments Using Aloe Vera and Zinc-Oxide Nanoparticles

Jenn Hoskins
11th July, 2024

Effective Eye Infection Treatments Using Aloe Vera and Zinc-Oxide Nanoparticles

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Al-Qasim Green University tested new treatments for bacterial endophthalmitis using ithmid kohl combined with zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and Aloe vera
  • The ithmid kohl/ZnONPs combination showed the most significant antibacterial activity, effectively treating infected rabbits within two days
  • This combination also demonstrated a large zone of inhibition (31 mm) in lab tests, indicating strong efficacy against the drug-resistant bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae
Bacterial endophthalmitis is a serious intraocular infection that can lead to severe vision loss if not promptly treated. Traditional treatments involve the use of antibiotics like vancomycin and ceftazidime, which have shown effectiveness against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively[2]. However, the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria has necessitated the exploration of alternative treatments[3]. A recent study conducted by Al-Qasim Green University investigated the efficacy of novel formulations involving ithmid kohl combined with zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and Aloe vera in treating bacterial endophthalmitis[1]. The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of three different combinations: ithmid kohl/ZnONPs, ithmid kohl/Aloe vera, and ZnONPs/Aloe vera. The research involved contaminating the eyes of 24 healthy adult male albino rabbits with Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common Gram-negative bacterium associated with endophthalmitis[4]. The rabbits were then divided into eight groups, each receiving different treatments, including the novel formulations, individual components, a tetracycline antibiotic solution, and a control group with no treatment. The findings were promising. The ithmid kohl/ZnONPs combination showed the most significant antibacterial activity, effectively treating the infected rabbits within two days. This formulation also demonstrated the largest zone of inhibition (31 mm) in in vitro antibacterial assays, indicating strong efficacy against K. pneumoniae. This is particularly noteworthy as K. pneumoniae is known for its resistance to multiple drugs, as highlighted in previous studies[2][5]. The study's innovative approach leverages the unique properties of its components. Ithmid kohl, a traditional eye cosmetic, has been noted for its antimicrobial properties. When combined with ZnONPs, which possess enhanced antibacterial activity due to their high surface area and ability to generate reactive oxygen species, the formulation becomes even more potent. Aloe vera, known for its soothing and healing properties, also contributes to the overall efficacy of the treatment by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair. This research builds on earlier findings that emphasize the importance of prompt and effective treatment for endophthalmitis to prevent severe vision loss[2][4]. The use of ZnONPs is particularly relevant given the increasing concern over antibiotic resistance. Previous studies have shown that while antibiotics like vancomycin and ceftazidime are effective, there is a growing need for alternative treatments due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria[3][5]. Moreover, the study's results align with findings from other research that highlight the potential of older, less commonly used treatments, such as chloramphenicol, which have shown renewed efficacy against resistant strains[3]. The incorporation of ZnONPs into traditional formulations like ithmid kohl represents a novel approach that could offer a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics. In conclusion, the study conducted by Al-Qasim Green University demonstrates the potential of ithmid kohl/ZnONPs as an effective treatment for bacterial endophthalmitis. This innovative formulation could serve as a valuable alternative in clinical practice, especially in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. The promising results warrant further investigation and clinical trials to confirm the efficacy and safety of these novel treatments in human subjects.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) In vivo and in vitro efficacy of the ithmid kohl/zinc-oxide nanoparticles, ithmid kohl/Aloe vera, and zinc-oxide nanoparticles/Aloe vera for the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis.

Published 8th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66341-1

Related Studies

2) Susceptibility of bacterial endophthalmitis isolates to vancomycin, ceftazidime, and amikacin.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95458-w

3) Chloramphenicol Resurrected: A Journey from Antibiotic Resistance in Eye Infections to Biofilm and Ocular Microbiota.

https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7090278

4) Clinical characteristics and risk factors for visual prognosis according to the types of infectious endophthalmitis.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278625

5) Common bacterial causes of external ocular infections, associated risk factors and antibiotic resistance among patients at ophthalmology unit of Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12348-021-00238-2


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