Tyrothricin--An underrated agent for the treatment of bacterial skin infections and superficial wounds?

Article Details

Citation

Copy to clipboard

Lang C, Staiger C

Tyrothricin--An underrated agent for the treatment of bacterial skin infections and superficial wounds?

Pharmazie. 2016 Jun;71(6):299-305.

PubMed ID

27455547 [ View in PubMed

]

Abstract

The antimicrobial agent tyrothricin is a representative of the group of antimicrobial peptides (AMP). It is produced by Bacillus brevis and consists of tyrocidines and gramicidins. The compound mixture shows activity against bacteria, fungi and some viruses. A very interesting feature of AMPs is the fact, that even in vitro it is almost impossible to induce resistances. Therefore, this class of molecules is discussed as one group that could serve as next generation antibiotics and overcome the increasing problem of bacterial resistances. In daily practice, the application of tyrothricin containing formulations is relatively limited: It is used in sore throat medications and in agents for the healing of infected superficial and small-area wounds. However, due to the broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and the low risk of resistance development it is worth to consider further fields of application.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs

Tyrothricin

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Tyrothricin	Phospholipid membrane	Group	Escherichia coli (strain K12)	Yes	Disruptor	Details