Topical retapamulin in the management of infected traumatic skin lesions

Wood-decaying fungi found in Southern Ghana: A potential source of new anti-infective compounds

Background: Discovery of bioactive natural products are instrumental for development of novel antibiotics. The discovery and development of natural products such as penicillin represented a major milestone in the treatment of bacterial infections. Currently, many antibiotics have lost their relevance in clinics due to the emergence of drug-resistant microbial pathogens. Hence, there is the need for continuous search of new compounds endowed with potent antimicrobial activity. In this study, wood-decaying fungi (WDF) from Southern Ghana were explored for their potential as sources of novel antimicrobial compounds with intent of expanding the effort into a drug discovery programme in the near future. Methods: A total of 54 WDF isolates were fermented in potato dextrose broth and the secondary metabolites obtained were analyzed for the presence of antimicrobial agents using the disc diffusion assay. Chromatography techniques were used for preliminary analysis of the chemical composition of the extracts and for fractionation of the extracts that showed antimicrobial activity. Results: The extracts from 40 out of the 54 WDF isolates exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against either Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli or Candida albicans. Fractionation of these bioactive extracts, followed by bioassay of the organic fractions obtained, indicate that extracts exhibiting antimicrobial activity against more than one of the three test organisms could be attributed to the presence of different bioactive compounds. Analysis of the composition of the extracts revealed that terpenes were predominant. Conclusions: This study suggests that a significant proportion of WDF in Southern Ghana produce antimicrobial compounds which could be potential sources of novel anti-infective agents and support the plans of developing a drug discovery programme in Ghana based on the fermentation of WDF.

Wood-decaying fungi found in Ghana: A rich source of new anti-infective compounds

Background: Discovery of bioactive natural products are instrumental for development of novel antibiotics. The discovery and development of natural products such as penicillin represented a major milestone in the treatment of bacterial infections. Currently, many antibiotics have lost their relevance in clinics due to the emergence of drug-resistant microbial pathogens. Hence, there is the need for continuous search of new compounds endowed with potent antimicrobial activity. Methods: In this study, wood-decaying fungi (WDF) from Ghana were explored for their potential as sources of novel antimicrobial compounds with intent of expanding the effort into a drug discovery programme in the near future. Extracts from cultures of 54 morphologically distinct WDF isolates were analyzed for the presence of antimicrobial agents. Results: The extracts from 40 out of the 54 WDF isolates exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against either Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli or Candida albicans. Fractionation of these bioactive extracts, followed by bioassay of the organic fractions obtained, indicate that extracts exhibiting antimicrobial activity against more than one of the three test organisms could be attributed to the presence of different bioactive compounds. Analysis of the composition of the extracts revealed that terpenes were predominant. Conclusions: This study suggests that a significant proportion of WDF in Ghana produce antimicrobial compounds which could be potential sources of novel anti-infective agents and support the plans of developing a drug discovery programme in Ghana based on the fermentation of WDF.

Efficacy of Dalbavancin and Telavancin in the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Objectives

Two glycopeptide analogues, such as dalbavancin and telavancin, with improved pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters have been developed. These two glycopeptide analogues are approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of various Gram-positive bacterial skin infections.

Materials and methods

We have conducted an open labelled prospective randomized study to compare the efficacy of these two drugs. A total of 200 patients diagnosed with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) were recruited for the study. They were randomized to receive either a single dose of dalbavancin 1500 mg i.v (Group I) or telavancin 10 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) every 24 hours for six days (Group II). The skin infection rating score (SIRS) was calculated on Day 0 for all patients at the time of diagnosis. Signs and symptoms of the lesions were assessed based on the following factors: blistering, exudate/pus, erythema/inflammation and itching/pain. Each factor was classified as one of the following: absent - 0, minimal - 1, moderate - 2 and severe - 3.

Results

Clinically successful treatment was defined as complete resolution of clinically meaningful signs and symptoms of infection, including SIRS score of 0. The outcome measure was the percentage of patients with SIRS score of 0 on day 7 (clinical success). The third most common diagnosis at baseline was impetigo (13% in both groups). Patients who received dalbavancin had a higher clinical success rate than those receiving telavancin.

Conclusion

Findings of the present study show that single i.v dose of dalbavancin is better than telavancin repeated doses in treatment of ABSSSI.

No decrease in susceptibility to NVC-422 in multiple-passage studies with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli

Twenty-five serial passages of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and 50 passages of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus resulted in no significant increase in NVC-422 MICs, while ciprofloxacin MICs increased 256-fold for E. coli and 32-fold for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Mupirocin, fusidic acid, and retapamulin MICs for MRSA increased 64-, 256-, and 16-fold, respectively. No cross-resistance to NVC-422 was observed with mupirocin-, fusidic acid-, and retapamulin-resistant strains.

Cutaneous infections and infestations: new therapies

Directed and preventive therapies for cutaneous infectious disease and infestation continue to evolve, providing physicians with new options for care. Common infectious diseases (e.g., genital herpes, herpes zoster, and head lice) occur in the outpatient and inpatient setting. This review of the literature highlights new therapies, including those still in development, such as novel drugs and vaccines, all of which should help to decrease the frequency and severity of common infectious diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.