Besifloxacin: a modern approach to treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis
DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2025-25-4-10
S.A. Abakarov1, K.A. Abu Zaalan2, I.A. Loskutov1
1M.F. Vladimirskiy Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation
2KDM Medical Center, Moscow, Russian Federation
Modern ophthalmology faces a significant challenge with rising antimicrobial resistance of bacterial conjunctivitis pathogens, and this substantially reduces efficacy of conventional empirical treatment regimens. In response to the challenge, besifloxacin (i.e., a latest-generation fluoroquinolone designed exclusively for topical use in ophthalmology) was developed. Its uniqueness lies in the structural modification of the molecule and a balanced dual mechanism of action simultaneously targeting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. This provides not only a potent bactericidal effect against a wide range of pathogens (including resistant strains), but also minimizes the risk of further resistance. The paper is focused on a comprehensive analysis of pharmacological properties, microbiological efficacy, and clinical value of besifloxacin as a promising tool in treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in the context of rising antibiotic resistance. A clinical case report in a patient with severe acute bacterial conjunctivitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae demonstrates potential success of empirical therapy with besifloxacin.
Keywords: bacterial conjunctivitis, besifloxacin, drug combination, repeated drug administration.
For citation: Abakarov S.A., Abu Zaalan K.A., Loskutov I.A. Besifloxacin: a modern approach to treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2025;25(4):290–294 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2025-25-4-10
About the authors:
Sapiyulla A. Abakarov — C. Sc. (Med.), Scientific Officer at the Ophthalmological Department for Adults, M.F. Vladimirskiy Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute; 61/2, Shchepkin str., Moscow, 129110, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0009-0000-9204-9781
Kamal A. Abu Zaalan — C. Sc. (Med.), Ophthalmologist at KDM Medical Center; 29 Build. 1, Lomonosovskiy av., Moscow, 119192, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0001-9542-222X
Igor A. Loskutov — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Head of the Scientific Department and the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, M.F. Vladimirskiy Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute; 61/2, Shchepkin str., Moscow, 129110, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0003-0057-3338
Contact information: Sapiyulla A. Abakarov, e-mail: boss@limesmedia.ru
Financial Disclosure: no authors have a financial or property interest in any material or method mentioned.
There is no conflict of interest.
Received 26.09.2025.
Revised 14.10.2025.
Accepted 31.10.2025.
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