Effects of boron compounds and ozonated olive oil on experimental Microsporum canis infection in rats

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes of topical application of boric acid, boron-doped gel, and ozonated olive oil in cases of Microsporum canis-induced dermatophytosis. Furthermore, the outcomes were compared to those of terbinafine administration. We included 39 female Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g and created an M. canis-infected area on the skin of their backs. The rats were clinically scored on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 and underwent histopathological evaluation. All the treated groups demonstrated significantly lower clinical scores than the control group (P < 0.05). Fewer inflammation cells were observed in the samples of groups treated with 3% boric acid and sodium pentaborate pentahydrate gel than in those of the control group. According to the histopathological evaluation, the groups treated with 3% boric acid and sodium pentaborate pentahydrate gel were statistically different from the control and other treatment groups (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that treatment with 3% boric acid and sodium pentaborate gel was adequate in resolving M. canis-induced infection in rats. Therefore, gels containing 3% boric acid and sodium pentaborate pentahydrate may be alternatives to antifungal agents such as terbinafine by ensuring easy, reliable, inexpensive, and effective treatment modalities. © TÜBITAK.