Effects of gentian violet on refractory discharging ears infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
OBJECTIVE
To test the efficacy of topical treatment with gentian violet on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Territorial referral centre.


METHODS
Patients with discharging ears infected with MRSA alone or MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA).


METHODS
One percent gentian violet was applied.


RESULTS
Remission of discharge.


RESULTS
Remission was obtained in 44 of 46 ears infected with MRSA, whereas remission was obtained in only 3 of 6 ears infected with MRSA and PA. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of gentian violet for MRSA strains sensitive to topical application of gentian violet and strains resistant to this treatment were 0.03 microg/mL and 0.5%, respectively. The MIC for PA resistant to topical gentian violet treatment was higher than 32 microg/mL.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical application of gentian violet is a useful option for the treatment of refractory discharging ears infected with MRSA. However, great care must be taken if there is any chance of the gentian violet reaching the middle ear.
Kayama
Chikako
C
Department of Otolaryngology, Konan General Hospital, Kobe, Japan.
Goto
Yukako
Y
Shimoya
Satoko
S
Hasegawa
Shingo
S
Murao
Shin-ichi
S
Nakajo
Yoshimi
Y
Nibu
Ken-ichi
K
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D005840:Gentian Violet / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D008875:Middle Aged; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005840:Gentian Violet