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Disulfiram inhibits the in vitro growth of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
M Phillips1, G Malloy, D Nedunchezian
1Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Medical Center of Richmond, Staten Island, New York 10310.
Abstract:
Several antibiotics have disulfiram-like effects; we evaluated disulfiram for its antibiotic-like effects. Disulfiram inhibited the in vitro growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with an MIC of 1.33 micrograms/ml, but was not effective against members of the family Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas species.
Insights
Disulfiram shows antibiotic properties, effectively inhibiting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. However, it was not effective against Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas species, limiting its broad-spectrum antibiotic potential.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotics are crucial for treating bacterial infections.
- Some antibiotics exhibit disulfiram-like reactions.
- The potential antibiotic properties of disulfiram are largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antibiotic-like effects of disulfiram.
- To determine the efficacy of disulfiram against specific bacterial pathogens.
Main Methods:
- In vitro susceptibility testing was performed.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined for disulfiram.
Main Results:
- Disulfiram demonstrated inhibitory activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of disulfiram against MRSA was 1.33 µg/ml.
- Disulfiram showed no significant inhibitory effect on Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas species.
Conclusions:
- Disulfiram possesses in vitro antibiotic activity, particularly against MRSA.
- Disulfiram's efficacy is specific and not broad-spectrum.
- Further research is warranted to explore disulfiram's potential as an antibacterial agent.