Histopathological, Biochemical, and Microbiological Evaluation of Oxygen-Boric Acid (OKSIBOR®), Ciprofloxacin, and Hydrogen Peroxide in the Rat External Ear Canal-Scilight

ENT Updates

Original Article

Histopathological, Biochemical, and Microbiological Evaluation of Oxygen-Boric Acid (OKSIBOR®), Ciprofloxacin, and Hydrogen Peroxide in the Rat External Ear Canal

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Demirtas, M., Cantas Turkis, F., & Gokdogan, O. (2025). Histopathological, Biochemical, and Microbiological Evaluation of Oxygen-Boric Acid (OKSIBOR®), Ciprofloxacin, and Hydrogen Peroxide in the Rat External Ear Canal. ENT Updates, 15(3), 15–26. https://doi.org/10.54963/entu.v15i3.1153

Authors

  • Mahmut Demirtas

    Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Aydin 09100, Turkey
  • Fulden Cantas Turkis

    Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla 48000, Turkey
  • Ozan Gokdogan

    Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla 48000, Turkey

Topical drug applications to the external auditory canal (EAC) are one of the most important applications in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) practice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the histopathological, biochemical, and microbiological effects of oxygen-boric acid drops in the EAC. Eighteen albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups. The left ear was designated as the drop-treated ear, and the right ear was the control ear in each rat.  Group 1 rats were treated with Oxygen-boric acid drops, group 2 with ciprofloxacin drops, and group 3 with hydrogen peroxide drops for two weeks. For biochemical evaluation, the pH of the EAC was measured. Microbiological analysis was performed by culturing samples from both EACs.  Finally, both EACs underwent histopathological examination. Histopathologically, oxygen-boric acid ear drops had no adverse effect on the EAC mucosa. There was also no statistically significant difference amongst the groups in histopathological findings and bacterial growth.  While there was a statistically significant difference in pH was observed between the groups during the first week of treatment, no significant difference was found between the groups during the second week of treatment. Topical oxygen-boric acid, ciprofloxacin, and hydrogen peroxide can be used safely for EAC diseases due to their topical efficacy and fewer side effects. Topical drops should be chosen according to the disease, the patient's comorbidities, and the cost-effectiveness of ear drops.

Keywords:

Ear Wax External Auditory Canal External Otitis Oxygen‑Boric Acid pH

Author Biographies

Assistant Professor MD,

Medicine Faculty, Department of Biostatistics

Associate Professor MD

Medicine Faculty, Department of Otorhinolaryngology

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