Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lactoferricin solution fights ear infections in dogs and cats
By Corona, Antonio et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2021·di Torino" Veterinary Clinic, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: In vitro activity of lactoferricin solution against Malassezia pachydermatis from otitis externa in dogs and cats.
Plain-English summary
A study tested a special solution called lactoferricin against a yeast called Malassezia pachydermatis, which can cause ear infections in dogs and cats. The researchers found that a 20% lactoferricin solution was effective in killing the yeast, while lower concentrations were less effective. This suggests that lactoferricin could be a useful treatment for pets suffering from ear infections caused by this yeast. If your pet has an ear infection, ask your veterinarian about the potential benefits of lactoferricin.
People also search for: dog ear infection treatment · cat ear yeast infection · lactoferricin for pets
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Malassezia pachydermatis is a commensal organism of the skin, yet it may induce dermatitis and/or otitis. Lactoferricin (Lfcin) is an antimicrobial peptide obtained by the pepsin-mediated digestion of lactoferrin, a multifunctional innate-defence milk protein. The antibacterial activity of Lfcin is thought to cause alteration of bacterial membrane permeability, thus inducing cell death. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antifungal activity of different dilutions of Lfcin solution against M. pachydermatis strains isolated from ears of dogs and cats with otitis externa. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifty clinical Malassezia isolates from 40 dogs and 10 cats were tested. A dilution method in microtitre plates was used starting with a 20% Lfcin water solution. The different dilutions were 2:1 (13.3%), 1:1 (10%), 1:2 (6.7%), 1:5 (3.3%) and 1:10 (1.8%). Results were expressed as the value at which the growth of 50% (minimal fungicidal concentration MFC) and 90% (MFC) of yeast cells was inhibited. RESULTS: All strains showed susceptibility to 20% Lfcin solution (100%). With 1:5 and 1:10 dilutions corresponding to 3.3% and 1.8% Lfcin solutions, all strains showed resistance. The MFCand MFCvalues were observed at 13.3% and 20% Lfcin solutions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results indicated that Lfcin solution exhibits the antimicrobial activity specific to antimicrobial peptides. In particular, the 20% solution can be effective in killing M. pachydermatis isolated strains. Some susceptibilities also are evident at lower concentrations of ≤6.7% for four strains.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34009660/