The utility of polysporin ointment in the eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization: a pilot study

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2000 Oct;21(10):653-5. doi: 10.1086/501709.

Abstract

We evaluated the efficacy of an ointment containing bacitracin, polymyxin B, and gramicidin for the eradication of colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 11 medical patients, 10 (91%) of whom had previously failed a 1-week course of topical mupirocin. Mupirocin resistance was documented in 5 (45%) of 11 patients. Successful decolonization was achieved in 9 (82%) of 11 patients (based on 2 months of follow-up).

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / pharmacology*
  • Bacitracin / pharmacology*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Gramicidin / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mupirocin / pharmacology
  • Ointments
  • Pilot Projects
  • Polymyxin B / pharmacology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus* / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Drug Combinations
  • Ointments
  • polysporin ointment
  • Bacitracin
  • Gramicidin
  • Mupirocin
  • Polymyxin B