Identification of gentian violet concentration that does not stain oral mucosa, possesses anti-candidal activity and is well tolerated

• Published in: European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases 2011-05, Vol.30 (5), p.629-633
• Main Authors: Jurevic, R. J., Traboulsi, R. S., Mukherjee, P. K., Salata, R. A., Ghannoum, M. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Adolescent; Adult; AIDS; Antibiotics. Antiinfectious agents. Antiparasitic agents; Antifungal Agents - administration & dosage; Antifungal Agents - adverse effects; Antiparasitic agents; Antiseptics; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Candida - drug effects; Candidiasis, Oral - drug therapy; Gentian Violet - administration & dosage; Gentian Violet - adverse effects; HIV Infections - complications; Hospitals; Human Experimentation; Humans; Infectious diseases; Internal Medicine; Medical Microbiology; Medical sciences; Mouth Mucosa - drug effects; Mouth Mucosa - pathology; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Questionnaires; Stains & staining; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0934-9723; 1435-4373
• DOI: 10.1007/s10096-010-1131-8

Gentian violet (GV) is recommended for initial treatment of oral candidiasis in HIV-infected patients in resource-limited settings. Currently GV is not used because of its staining effects. In this study, we investigated the staining capacity of three different concentrations of GV to determine a concentration that does not cause staining. The selected concentration that did not cause staining was evaluated for its physical stability and antifungal activity. Fifteen healthy participants were randomized to rinse twice daily for 14 days with one of three GV concentrations: 0.1%, 0.0085%, or 0.00165%. Oral examination and intra-oral photographs were performed at baseline and at the end of therapy. Participants responded to a questionnaire to assess adverse events. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute methodology. GV at a concentration of 0.00165% did not stain the oral mucosa and was well tolerated. GV at a concentration of 0.00165% was stable and possessed antifungal activity when stored at certain temperatures for different time periods. Gentian violet solution at the concentration of 0.00165% does not stain the oral mucosa, is stable and possesses potent antifungal activity.