Lavender Oil, Ear Gel, and Antibiotic Effectiveness Against Bacterial Biofilms

Greg Howard
1st September, 2024

Lavender Oil, Ear Gel, and Antibiotic Effectiveness Against Bacterial Biofilms

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from the University of Lisbon explored new treatments for canine ear infections caused by biofilm-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Lavender oil eradicated 58.3% of the bacterial isolates within 30 minutes, showing quick effectiveness
  • Both the otological gel and lavender oil matched the standard antibiotic gentamicin in eradicating biofilms after 24 hours
Canine otitis externa (OE) is a common dermatological condition in dogs, often leading to discomfort and chronic issues. A key bacterial culprit behind this condition is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, notorious for its multidrug resistance and biofilm-forming capabilities, which complicate treatment efforts. A recent study from the University of Lisbon[1] has explored innovative antimicrobial treatments for this persistent problem, comparing them with conventional antibiotics. The study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of two novel antimicrobials—an otological gel containing a synthetic antimicrobial peptide and Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil—against biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa isolates from dogs with OE. These were compared with gentamicin, a standard antibiotic. Biofilms are clusters of bacteria encased in a protective matrix, making them more resistant to antibiotics than free-floating (planktonic) bacteria. This resistance is a significant challenge in treating infections like OE. Previous research has shown that P. aeruginosa's biofilm formation is common in canine otitis and that biofilm-embedded bacteria have higher minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for antibiotics compared to their planktonic forms[2]. This makes understanding and targeting biofilms crucial for effective treatment. The study tested the biofilm eradication capacity of gentamicin, the otological gel, and lavender oil against 12 biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa isolates. The results were promising: lavender oil eradicated 58.3% of the isolates within 30 minutes, while gentamicin achieved full eradication after 24 hours. The otological gel, although slower than lavender oil, matched its antibiofilm capacity at the 24-hour mark with no significant difference between the two. Additionally, the study found that triglycerides from synthetic earwax had antipseudomonal activity, and when combined with the otological gel, led to the complete eradication of P. aeruginosa. These findings align with earlier studies that have highlighted the potential of repurposing old drugs and exploring new antimicrobial agents for veterinary use. For instance, monensin, an old drug, has shown effectiveness against multidrug-resistant staphylococcal strains in canine otitis but lacks activity against Gram-negative bacteria like P. aeruginosa[3]. This underscores the need for alternative treatments specifically targeting Gram-negative bacteria and biofilms. Moreover, the study builds on the understanding that conventional antibiotics may not always be the best option due to resistance issues. Previous research has documented the high levels of multidrug resistance in P. aeruginosa isolates from canine otitis[4], making the search for new treatments even more critical. The University of Lisbon's study contributes to this by demonstrating that both lavender oil and the otological gel can be effective alternatives to gentamicin, especially in the context of biofilm-associated infections. In conclusion, the study offers valuable insights into potential new treatments for canine OE caused by biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa. By comparing innovative antimicrobials with conventional antibiotics, it opens the door to more effective and targeted therapies, potentially improving outcomes for affected dogs.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) In vitro efficacy of lavender oil, otological gel and gentamicin to eradicate biofilm produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Published 30th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13294

Related Studies

2) Evaluation of biofilm production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa from canine ears and the impact of biofilm on antimicrobial susceptibility in vitro.

https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12040

3) In vitro antimicrobial activity of monensin against common clinical isolates associated with canine otitis externa.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cimid.2018.05.001

4) Antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from dogs with otitis.

https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268818003278


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