Abstract

Background: Cerumen or earwax is a mixture of sebaceous gland secretions (fat) and apocrine (ceruminous) glands with epithelial debris. This combination of compositions forms an acidic layer (normal pH of 6.8), which helps prevent infection of the ear canal. Cerumen contains various antimicrobial factors, which also prevent infection.
This study aims to compare bactericidal activity on cerumen and ofloxacin in vitro in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Method: The study used a type of in vitro laboratory experimental research to compare bactericidal activity in cerumen and ofloxacin drops against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Result: Based on the results of research for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, the average inhibition capability of cerumen was 0.7 ± 2.1 mm. While the average inhibition capability of ofloxacin was 32.9 ± 0.9 mm.
For the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the average inhibition capability of cerumen is 0 ± 0 mm. While the average inhibition capability of ofloxacin was 31.3 ± 0.5 mm. Both variables show significant differences because both have a p-value lower than p

Key words: Bactericidal, Cerumen, In-vitro, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus