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Otitis externa treatment can lead to yeast overgrowth, study finds
“It was most gratifying to be able to confirm our previous observations by use of semi-quantitative cultures” – Ross Bond.
Antibiotic use led to increases in Malassezia pachydermatis.

Scientists are advising veterinary surgeons to monitor for yeast overgrowth in patients that are treated with antibiotics for otitis externa, following a new study.

Although the findings of the research were expected, the phenomenon had not previously been well described in veterinary literature.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) studied 29 dogs treated with fluoroquinolone or piperacillin-tazobactam for bacterial otitis externa. The dogs were mostly referred with chronic otitis externa after unsuccessful treatment using licensed products.

Ear swabs were taken before and after treatment for cytological evaluation and semi-quantitative culture.

Although bacteria counts significantly decreased after treatment, otic yeast increased, especially Malassezia pachydermatis. This outcome was more common in cases treated with piperacillin-tazobactam.

The researchers believe that increases in yeast were seen because of the antibacterial treatment suppressing bacteria that normally compete with yeast growth and inhibit it.

Further research is needed to find out if antifungal drugs or antiseptic ear rinses can be used to prevent fungal growth when antibiotics are used to treat otitis externa.

Ross Bond, professor of veterinary dermatology at RVC and corresponding author of the study, said: “We are very grateful to BSAVA PetSavers for kindly funding this study and to the owners of the dogs for agreeing to participate.

“It was most gratifying to be able to confirm our previous observations by use of semi-quantitative cultures.

“Our next goal is to find treatment protocols that prevent the fungal dysbiosis without compromising the efficacy of the antibacterial therapy in these very difficult ear cases.”

The study has been published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

Image © Shutterstock

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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