Fusidic, spelled /fjʊˈsɪdɪk/, is a word derived from the antibiotic Fusidic Acid, which is used to treat bacterial infections. The spelling of this word is based on the pronunciation of the drug's active ingredient, fusidic acid, which is pronounced /fjuːˈzɪdɪk æsɪd/. The first syllable of the word is pronounced as "fjoo", which is a combination of the sound "f" and the phonetic symbol "j", indicating a consonantal y sound. The rest of the word follows a regular pronunciation pattern, with emphasis on the second syllable.
Fusidic is an adjective that refers to something that is related to or pertains to fusidic acid or its derivatives. Fusidic acid is a type of antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of antibiotics known as fusidanes, which inhibit the growth of bacteria by preventing bacterial protein synthesis.
Fusidic acid acts by selectively binding to a specific protein called elongation factor G (EF-G) present in bacteria, thereby inhibiting its function. EF-G is essential for the elongation phase of bacterial protein synthesis, so blocking its action halts the growth and reproduction of the bacteria.
The antibiotic is primarily used topically, meaning it is applied to the skin, as it effectively targets bacterial infections of the skin, such as impetigo or cellulitis. It works by penetrating the skin and inhibiting bacterial growth locally.
Fusidic acid has a broad-spectrum activity, meaning it is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Corynebacterium species. It is less effective against Gram-negative bacteria.
In medical and pharmaceutical contexts, the term "fusidic" may also refer to derivatives or variants of fusidic acid that have been chemically modified to enhance their therapeutic properties, such as increased efficacy or improved penetration through the skin. These modified compounds may retain the ability to inhibit bacterial growth and protein synthesis.
The word "fusidic" is derived from the name of the fungus Fusidium coccineum, from which the compound fusidic acid was originally extracted. Fusidic acid is known for its antibacterial properties and is commonly used in medicine for treating various bacterial infections. The name "fusidic" is thus related to the source organism from which the compound was first isolated.