Perinatal treatment of parents with the broad-spectrum antibiotic enrofloxacin aggravates contact sensitivity in adult offspring mice

Background Antibiotics, while eliminating pathogens, also partially deplete commensal bacteria. Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis may contribute to the observed rise in “immune-mediated” diseases, including autoimmunity and allergy. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of perinatal antibiotic treatment on T cell-mediated immune response in adult mice. Methods Oral treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotic enrofloxacin during gestation and breastfeeding or breastfeeding or gestation alone was used to evaluate whether antibiotic exposure early in life could modulate contact sensitivity (CS) in adult mice. Results Here, we demonstrated that enrofloxacin treatment during gestation and breastfeeding, but not during pregnancy or breastfeeding alone, aggravated CS reaction in adult mice measured by ear swelling. These data correlate with increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the ear extracts and elevated production of IL-6 and IL-17A by auricular lymph node cells (ELNC) and was not influenced by food consumption and body weight. In each dosing regimen, enrofloxacin treatment reduced the relative abundance of Enterococcus spp. but did not influence the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Clostridium cluster XIVa, XIVab, I, Bacteroidetes, and segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB). However, prolonged enrofloxacin-treatment during both gestation and breastfeeding decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium cluster IV. Conclusion These data show that long-term perinatal enrofloxacin treatment induces intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by decreased levels of anti-inflammatory Clostridium cluster IV, and alters T cell-dependent immune responses, enhancing CS reaction in adult mice.

Povidone-Iodine Use in Sinonasal and Oral Cavities: A Review of Safety in the COVID-19 Era

Objectives: Approaches to nasal and oral decontamination with povidone-iodine (PVP-I) have been published to reduce nosocomial spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The safety of PVP-I topically applied to the nasal and oral cavity is addressed by a literature review. The specific efficacy of PVP-I against coronaviruses and its potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 is discussed. Methods: A review was performed utilizing PubMed and Cochrane Databases. All citations in protocols for nasal and oral PVP-I use regarding COVID-19 were independently reviewed. Results: Povidone-iodine has been safely administered for up to 5 months in the nasal cavity and 6 months in the oral cavity. Concentrations less than 2.5% in vitro do not reduce ciliary beat frequency or cause pathological changes in ciliated nasal epithelium, upper respiratory, or mucosal cells. Adverse events with oral use have not been reported in conscious adults or children. Allergy and contact sensitivity is rare. Chronic mucosal use up to 5% has not been shown to result in clinical thyroid disease. PVP-I is rapidly virucidal and inactivates coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Conclusions: Povidone-iodine can safely be used in the nose at concentrations up to 1.25% and in the mouth at concentrations up to 2.5% for up to 5 months. Povidone-iodine rapidly inactivates coronaviruses, including SARS and MERS, when applied for as little as 15 seconds. There is optimism that PVP-I can inactivate SARS-CoV-2, but in vitro efficacy has not yet been demonstrated.

Study of clinical profile and association of severity with contact sensitivity of hand eczema patients

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> This present study was to evaluate the clinical profile, severity and its pattern as well as association between contact sensitivity with its severity in hand eczema patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A detailed demographic profile, occupation, history regarding onset of disease, duration, progress of hand dermatitis, aggravating and relieving factors, seasonal variations, presence of atopy in self or family, day to day work, hobbies, and past and present treatment were performed to all cases of hand eczema. Severity of hand eczema was assessed by using hand eczema severity index (HECSI). Patch test was applied to all cases with standard Indian patch test battery as approved by contact dermatitis and occupational dermatoses forum of India. Data was applied by using SPSS version 26 software. P value was taken equal to or less than 0.05 for significant differences.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Hand eczema was commonly seen in male and middle age group (31-45 years) patients. Masons, house wives and farmers were mostly infected with hand eczema. Hyperkeratotic eczema and wear and tear dermatitis were the most common type of hand eczema. Potassium dichromate and nickel were the most common antigen/allergens. HECSI score 40-60 was seen in majorities of hand eczema cases. And there was no statistical significant association seen in between severity and positive patch test sensitivity in patients with hand eczema.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Works associated with exposure to various chemical agents are at higher risk for developing hand eczema. Our study will of immense help to patients for identification of contact sensitizer and prevention from hand eczema.</p>