Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To establish and compare the in vitro effects of fortified vancomycin, cefazolin and tobramycin antibiotics on human corneal epithelial cell. Methods: Human corneal epithelial cells were cultured, and systemic intravenous preparations, as used in the preparation of fortified antibiotics, were diluted in the culture medium. Three topical antibiotics were compared: vancomycin 50 mg/mL, tobramycin 14 mg/mL and cefazolin 50 mg/mL. Four dilutions were tested: 20, 50, 100 and 200 times. Confluence and cells morphology were observed by contrast phase microscopy. Pictures were taken every two days. When controls reached 100% confluence, cells were counted. Cell proliferation in each condition was compared to controls. Results: The most toxic fortified antibiotic for cell proliferation was cefazolin. In the most diluted concentrations, cell number decreased to a number 4 times lower than that of controls. Tobramycin 14 mg/mL was also toxic in the most diluted concentrations. Cell number decreased by 50% compared to controls. The less toxic antibiotic was vancomycin with no effect on cell proliferation in all the dilutions except in the lowest one. Conclusions: Topical fortified cefazolin is much more toxic antibiotic for corneal epithelial cell proliferation if compared to tobramycin and vancomycin. This data sheds new light for the clinician who deals with severe infections, especially when toxicity becomes a main concern.
Keywords: ocular irritancy/toxicity testing • antibiotics/antifungals/antiparasitics • cornea: epithelium