Characterization of antimicrobial aerosols for administration to horses.

The research study examines the properties and effectiveness of antimicrobial aerosols, composed of gentamicin sulfate and ceftiofur sodium, used in treating respiratory bacterial infections in horses. By using a medical ultrasonic nebulizer, the scientists detail the varying characteristics, impact and usage recommendations for these aerosols.

Method of Research

• The researchers used a medical ultrasonic nebulizer to create test aerosols. These aerosols were composed of solutions containing antimicrobials, specifically, gentamicin sulfate and ceftiofur sodium.
• These aerosols were directed towards the treatment of equine lower respiratory bacterial infections.
• An analytical tool called a laser diffraction aerosol particle analyzer was used to examine the properties of the generated aerosols.

Findings and Characteristics of Aerosols

• The aerosols were characterized based on their particle size distribution (which was described using the volume median diameter), dispersion of the sample (or ‘span’), and aerosol density (% volume).
• It was observed that the particle size distribution and aerosol density for both the gentamicin and ceftiofur aerosols were significantly affected by the antimicrobial concentration within the solution.

Impact and Recommendations

• All the tested solutions were capable of delivering antimicrobials effectively to the intrathoracic airways of the horses.
• However, the solutions of gentamicin (50 mg/ml) and ceftiofur (25 mg/ml) were observed to offer the most optimal combination of particle size and aerosol density.
• The research findings can be used to improve the administration of these therapies by adjusting the nebulizer settings and solution concentration for more effective delivery and therapeutic outcomes.