Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils against Pathogens Responsible for Otitis Externa in Dogs and Cats.

Essential oils (EOs) are recommended by some veterinarians to treat otitis externa in pets, but data about their efficacy in scientific literature are very scant. Nine commercial EOs, from roman chamomile ( L.), star anise (), lavender (), litsea ( (Lour.) Pers.), basil ( L.), oregano ( L. subsp. ), rosemary ( L.), clary sage ( L.), and thyme ( L.) were tested against bacterial and fungal pathogens previously isolated from dogs and cats with otitis externa. In particular, the analyses were carried out against , sp., and sp. and showed superior antibacterial activity, even if not against all the strains. sp., , and were insensitive to most Eos, while other yeasts and molds showed different degrees of sensitivity. In particular, most fungi were inhibited by and . The obtained results suggest that some EOs could be included in treatment as an alternative therapeutic option in bacterial otitis complicated by fungi, in association with conventional drugs.