Bacteria, biofilm and cholesteatoma - perspectives of innovative therapeutic approaches

Abstract

Nowadays, bacterial infections still represent a problem of global interest due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Also, microbial infection are the basis of cholesteatoma being known for the production of chronic inflammation, the collection of cellular debris and the increase in the viscosity of the secretions, the dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, the invasion of the cells of the immune system and epithelial hyperplasia Aim and objectives: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC), in association with an antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) related to the possible synergistic effect. Material and methods: The disk diffusion method was employed to test the sensitivity of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa in the presence of ECGC and ciprofloxacin, at different concentrations (25–100 μg/mL) as such or in combination. Results: The results demonstrated that ECGC has an antibacterial effect on the selected strains, but the strongest activity was observed following the association of the natural compound with the antibiotic, with a better effect on the S. aureus strain. Conclusions: The association of natural compounds with antibiotics can represent an alternative to antibiotic resistance, being a possible effective option in combating infections and even pathologies of the middle ear, such as cholesteatoma.