An open comparlson of mupirocln and oxyteracycline for the therapy of skin infections

Abstract

Mupirocin (pseudomonic acid) is a new antibacterial compound active against a wide range of organisms responsible for skin and soft tissue infections. It is bactericidal at concentrations achieved following topical application. An open comparative study was carried out to assess the clinical and bacteriological effectiveness of 2% muhirocin as compared to 3% oxytertracycline by topical application in a variety of primary and secondary skin infections. Fifty patients were included in each age and sex matched group. The overall efficacy of mupirocin was 92% compared to 80% of oxytetracycline. Mupirocin was especially effective in cases of impetigo, 75% cases being cured and 25% showing good improvement at the end of 12 days. With oxytetracycline the figures were 40% cured and 33.3% showing good response. The speed of recovery with mupirocin was faster than with oxytetracycline.