Fusidic acid in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The emergence of MRSA in the 1960s coincided with the introduction of fusid ic acid. Since that time, the antibiotic has been widely used against this organism, both in the 1960s and 1970s and against the more modern multi-res istant version of the 1980s and 1990s. Although showing potent in vitro act ivity, experimental in vivo and in vitro investigations have demonstrated d isappointing results. Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in a series o f small studies and case reports, particularly when fusidic acid is used in combination for the treatment of MRSA carriage. Given the widespread use o f fusidic acid against MRSA, published evidence supporting its efficacy is limited and does not support the use of the agent as monotherapy. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. and International Society of Chemotherap y. All rights reserved.