Chapter 1. Fusidic acid: a valuable agent for controlling Staphylococcus aureus skin infections

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a key pathogen in skin and soft-tissue infections, and controlling it is crucial in treating these conditions. The principal antibiotics used for ambulatory treatment of S. aureus skin infections are beta-lactams, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, mupirocin and fusidic acid. In choosing an antibiotic, ideally the following characteristics should be met: adequate antibacterial activity and limited spectrum of activity; minimal resistance concerns; attainment of sufficiently high local concentration; minimal side-effects and risk of sensitization; and a choice of different formulations. Compared with the other classes, fusidic acid shows exceptionally good skin penetration through both intact and damaged skin, enabling it to reach antibacterial concentrations at the site of infection; the incidence of adverse events and allergic reactions to fusidic acid is low, and it is available in a wide choice of formulations. Thus, fusidic acid offers all the properties of an ideal agent to control S. aureus in skin infections.