New antibiotic gel allows better treatment for otitis media

Gel could greatly facilitate the treatment of middle ear inflammation
A bacterial infection in the ear is extremely uncomfortable and painful. Especially children are often affected by this problem. Researchers have now found that a single application of an antibiotic gel is sufficient to treat the condition. This could revolutionize the treatment of middle ear infections and similar diseases.

Researchers at the Boston Children's Hospital have now discovered in an investigation that antibiotic gel is an easy way to treat bacterial infections of the ears. The new experimental therapy has so far only been tested in chinchillas, but showed a 100% chance of curing the infection in the animals. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Science Translational Medicine".

Otitis media often affects younger children. The successful treatment usually lasts for ten days. Physicians found that an antibiotic gel can accomplish this task apparently faster, yet highly effective. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com)

Middle ear inflammation in children is widespread
The new therapy is completely reliable in chinchillas. How effective the treatment in children works, but not yet known, explain the authors. A middle ear infection (otitis media) is an extremely widespread problem in children. Parents also often have difficulty motivating their children to take medicine for the infection.

Antibiotic treatment in children with middle ear inflammation is problematic
In addition to the drug treatment, there are of course some home remedies for a middle ear infection. However, the normal treatment of otitis media is still a ten-day antibiotic treatment, explain the experts. During this time, sick children must take antibiotics three times a day. Parents often have problems getting their children to take regular medication, explains lead researcher Dr. Daniel Kohane from the Boston Children's Hospital.

Antibiotic treatment urgently needs to be continued until the end
Failure to perform complete oral antibiotic therapy in children increases the risk of bacterial resistance. For this reason, it is important to kill all bacteria in the therapy, says dr. Kohane.

Drops introduced into the ears are usually blocked by the eardrum
To enable treatment of otitis media through ear drops is a long-awaited goal of research, explain the physicians. But usually drugs introduced into the ears are blocked by the eardrum. Because of this, medicine never reaches the bacteria in the middle ear.

Fats help the antibiotic to penetrate the eardrum
The new gel contains special fats that help the antibiotic pass the eardrum. The antibiotic is released slowly over a period of one week, explain the scientists. The new gel contains the antibiotic ciprofloxacin.

Antibiotic Gel heals all test animals quickly and reliably
The tested chinchillas often had infection by so-called Haemophilus influenzae bacteria. This infection is a common cause for the development of otitis media. Kohane. The new gel cured the infection in all ten chinchillas. A standard treatment with antibiotics ear drops could cure only five out of eight chinchillas within seven days.

Drug is not found in the bloodstream
The new gel delivers the drug directly into the middle ear. The drug was not found in the bloodstream of the animals, the researchers say. This indicates that the treatment does not affect the entire body. This would save the children from the negative side effects of antibiotics. These include, for example, diarrhea and rashes. Kohane. Systemic whole-body exposure to ciprofloxacin should be avoided in children. The use in children can otherwise lead to possible damage to bones and muscles, explain the experts.

After three weeks, the gel is no longer found in the body
Within three weeks, the gel had disappeared from the animal's body again. The eardrums of the chinchillas reappeared normally. Because the ear of chinchillas is built up like a human ear, it can be expected that the drug will also work in humans. Kohane.

Further research is needed
However, there is still a long way to go before treating infants and children. A series of tests must now first check whether the drug is safe and effective. It is important to rule out serious side effects. Hopefully, the gel will change the way an otitis media is treated, Dr. Kohane. Middle ear infections in children are a very common cause of doctor visits and treatment in the emergency room. (As)