FUSIDATE Meaning and
Definition
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Fusidate refers to a group of antibiotics known as fusidic acids, which are derived from the fungus Fusidium coccineum. The term "fusidate" specifically designates the sodium salt form of fusidic acid. Fusidate is widely used in the medical field due to its potent antibacterial properties.
Fusidate works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It achieves this by selectively binding to elongation factor G (EF-G), a protein required for the elongation stage of protein synthesis. By binding to EF-G, fusidate interrupts the normal movement of the ribosome along the mRNA chain, thereby halting bacterial protein production. This disruption ultimately leads to the inhibition of bacterial growth and the death of susceptible bacteria.
As an antibiotic, fusidate is primarily effective against gram-positive bacteria, including strains resistant to other commonly used antibiotics. It exhibits excellent activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus species, and Corynebacterium species. However, fusidate generally shows limited efficacy against gram-negative bacteria due to their outer membrane barrier.
Fusidate is available in various formulations, including oral tablets, creams, and ointments, making it suitable for different routes of administration. Its usage includes the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Its low toxicity and minimal side effects further highlight fusidate's clinical importance in managing bacterial infections.
Etymology of FUSIDATE
The word "fusidate" is derived from the Greek word "fusicos", meaning "dark" or "brown", which in turn comes from "phyein", meaning "to produce". The term "fusidate" refers to a chemical compound called fusidic acid, which was first isolated from a fungus called Fusidium coccineum. The suffix "-ate" in "fusidate" implies the formation of a salt or ester, indicating the compound's chemical properties.
