Flurbiprofen, a unique non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with antimicrobial activity against Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton species.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the antifungal activity of flurbiprofen against dermatophytes like Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton species.


RESULTS
Susceptibility tests were performed against dermatophytes like Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton species by the microbroth dilution method. Among the dermatophytes tested, Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton species are remarkably susceptible to this compound (MIC(50): 8-16 microg ml(-1)). A yeast pathogen, Candida albicans, and a bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, are also susceptible to flurbiprofen.


CONCLUSIONS
Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound with strong antifungal activity, which is not found in two well known and medically used antifungal organic acids like benzoic and salicylic acids.


CONCLUSIONS
The present action of flurbiprofen on microbes indicates its future prospects as an antimicrobial agent against dermatophytes and yeast pathogens. However, in view of the anti-inflammatory property of flurbiprofen, its antifungal action may provide an additional advantage for use as a skin ointment.
Chowdhury
B
B
Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland A1B 3X9, Canada. chowdhur@mail.nih.gov
Adak
M
M
Bose
S K
SK
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003883:Arthrodermataceae / Q000187:drug effects*; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000188:drug therapy; D004821:Epidermophyton / Q000187:drug effects; D005480:Flurbiprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008864:Microsporum / Q000187:drug effects; D009824:Ointments; D014249:Trichophyton / Q000187:drug effects
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009824:Ointments; D005480:Flurbiprofen