Assessment of antibacterial activity of some topical otological solutions.

OBJECTIVES Otological solutions have long been used in the treatment of the bacterial and fungal infections of the ear. We investigated antibacterial activity of some otic solutions against the most common bacteria isolated from discharging ears. STUDY DESIGN Three solutions were used (Castellani's, Burrow's, and 2% salicyl alcohol) for 20 fresh isolates of each of the following organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter spp.. The activity of each solution was determined by the size of the zone of inhibition of bacterial growth. RESULTS The Castellani's solution showed significantly larger average inhibition zones than the other solutions did (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The Castellani's solution may be considered a good option against bacterial or mixed infections (bacterial and fungal) of the ear.