Evaluation of microbial contamination in multi-dose fluorescein eyedrops in a reference eye center

PURPOSE

To analyze the presence of microorganisms in fluorescein eyedrops used in a reference eye center in Recife-PE.

METHODS

This real-life and masked study evaluated fluorescein eyedrops used at the Altino Ventura Foundation in May 2019. Cultures were performed according to exposure times; I) three eyedrop bottles were analyzed after one day of use, II) three eyedrop bottles after 4 d of use, III) three eyedrop bottles after 8 d of use, and IV) three unopened bottles used as control. Samples were collected from the bottle's tip, instilled drop, and residual fluid. After incubation, all colonies were analyzed and identified through biochemical tests.

RESULTS

The contamination rate of the fluorescein eyedrop bottles in this study was 55.5% (5/9 vials). There was no contamination in the control group. The highest contamination was seen in one day exposed eyedrops, in 100% of the bottles. The bottle's tip had a higher rate of contamination compared to the drop and residual fluid. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 7/27 (25.9%) samples. Growth of fungi or gram-negative bacteria was not observed.

CONCLUSION

The identification of gram-positive bacteria predominantly on the tip of the fluorescein eyedrop bottles suggests inadequate handling as the main cause of contamination.

Antiulcerogenic activity of the essential oil of Hyptis martiusii Benth. (Lamiaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hyptis martiusii (Lamiaceae), popularly known as "cidreira-do-mato" or "cidreira-brava", grows in abundance in the Northeast region of Brazil, where its leaves are traditionally used in folk medicine in the treatment of intestinal and stomach diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical constituents and to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic activity of the essential oil of the leaves of Hyptis martiusii (EOHM) in in vivo models of experimental ulcers in rodents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EOHM was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acute gastric ulcer was induced using absolute ethanol, HCl/ethanol and indomethacin. The volume, pH and total acidity of gastric secretion were determined by the pyloric ligature method and gastrointestinal motility using gastric emptying and intestinal transit.

RESULTS

Chemical analysis revealed the presence of 24 components that account for 92.13% of the essential oil of dried leaves, indicating the occurrence of mono and sesquiterpenes. Oral administration of EOHM (100, 200 and 400mg/kg) inhibited ethanol-, HCl/ethanol- and indomethacin-induced ulcers. In the case of pylorus ligature, the oil reduced the volume of gastric juices and total acidity, and increased gastric pH. The EOHM reduced the rate of gastric emptying with only the highest doses, but did not show any effect on intestinal transit at any of the three doses.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the essential oil of leaves of Hyptis martiusii has an antiulcerogenic activity, as evidenced by its significant inhibition of the formation of ulcers in various models. This effect could be related to an increase of gastric mucosal defensive factors. Further pharmacological studies are being undertaken in order to provide more precise elucidation of the action mechanism involved in this activity.