title: Efficacy of a broad-spectrum antibiotic (mupirocin) in an in vitro model of infected skin.
abstract: The microbicidal effect of mupirocin (Bactroban) was studied using an in vitro model of burn eschar in contact with this antimicrobial cream, to indicate its inhibiting action after 1, 2, 4, and 24 h. The microorganisms used were 20 isolates of Ps. aeruginosa, 20 isolates of MRSA, 10 isolates of Staph. epidermidis, 12 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and eight isolates of Candida albicans. There was a marked effect on Gram-negative bacilli (< 0.1 per cent surviving) by 4 h, whereas on Gram-positive organisms its effect was slower, principally on MRSA with 2.2 per cent survivors by 24 h. The action on Candida was very slow initially, but after 24 h, the mupirocin's effect was marked (< 0.1 per cent survivors). The studies showed that mupirocin (a topical broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent) can be used in vitro against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts, which contaminate skin and mucosa. Further clinical experience is required before mupirocin can be used to treat colonized or infected wounds in burned patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Universidad Autonoma, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Vizcaino-Alcaide
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Herruzo-Cabrera
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rey-Calero
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D002056:Burns / Q000382:microbiology; D002175:Candida / Q000187:drug effects; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D016712:Mupirocin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology*; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D016712:Mupirocin