A Novel Topical Combination Ointment with Antimicrobial Activity against MRSA, Gram-negative "Superbugs", Yeasts, and Dermatophytic Fungi

Publication date: Available online 20 July 2016 Source:Current Therapeutic Research Author(s): K.S. Thomson, G.K. Thomson, J. Biehle, A. Deeb, J. Crawford, R. Herrera Purpose The use of topical antimicrobial agents for management of minor skin infections is a clinical strategy that is commonly practiced in the community. Coupled with the use of topical antimicrobials is the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of pathogens leading to the need for alternative treatments. A novel topical combination ointment consisting of salicylic acid, oak bark extract, benzoic acid, and polyethylene glycol (Bensal HP) with antimicrobial properties was assessed to determine its spectrum of activity. Methods 184 bacterial and fungal isolates from culture collections that included multidrug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., and gram-negative “superbugs”, as well as yeasts, and filamentous fungi were investigated by cylinder diffusion and agar dilution assays. Findings All 184 bacterial and fungal isolates were susceptible to the combination ointment at the clinically applied concentration and there was no evidence of cross-resistance between Bensal HP and other classes of antimicrobials. In time-kill tests, Bensal HP was rapidly bactericidal against P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and MRSA SA179 at 4 times the MIC, a concentration that is applied clinically. Implications The results of this stu...
Source: Current Therapeutic Research - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research