Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (707 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
An antibiotic isolated from the fermentation broth of Fusidium coccineum. (From Merck Index, 11th ed). It acts by inhibiting translocation during protein synthesis.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Acid, Fusidic; Silver Fusidate; Fusidate, Silver; Stanicide; Fusidin; Fucithalmic; Fusidate Sodium; Sodium, Fusidate.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Cholestadienols; Sterols
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 1,743 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Fusidic Acid” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 127 of them (7.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 1,030 records.
Reviews account for 100 records (5.7%) and meta-analyses for 6. Randomized controlled trials number 78 (4.5%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 1,030 |
| 2000-2009 | 280 |
| 2010-2019 | 306 |
| 2020 onward | 127 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 100 | 5.7% |
| Meta-analyses | 6 | 0.3% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 78 | 4.5% |
Method: PubMed query "Fusidic Acid"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in drugs and chemicals
Studies of a chemical or drug can answer very different questions: what it is and how it behaves in cells and animals, how the body handles it, and whether it changes outcomes in people. Laboratory and animal findings often do not carry over to patients, and observational studies of exposures are confounded by who uses a substance and why. Nothing on this page is a recommendation to use, avoid, start or stop any substance or medicine; talk to a qualified clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. Check the dose, the species, the comparison group and whether a patient-relevant outcome was measured.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
Biosynthesis of helvolic acid and identification of an unusual C-4-demethylation process distinct from sterol biosynthesis [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Fusidane-type antibiotics represented by helvolic acid, fusidic acid and cephalosporin P1 are a class of bacteriostatic agents, which have drawn renewed attention because they have no cross-resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
- Closing excerpt
- These studies have set the stage for using biosynthetic approaches to expand chemical diversity of fusidane-type antibiotics.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (138 words)
Fusidane-type antibiotics represented by helvolic acid, fusidic acid and cephalosporin P1 are a class of bacteriostatic agents, which have drawn renewed attention because they have no cross-resistance to commonly used antibiotics. However, their biosynthesis is poorly understood. Here, we perform a stepwise introduction of the nine genes from the proposed gene cluster for helvolic acid into Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1, which enables us to isolate helvolic acid (~20 mg L-1) and its 21 derivatives. Anti-Staphylococcus aureus assay reveals that the antibacterial activity of three intermediates is even stronger than that of helvolic acid. Notably, we observe an unusual C-4 demethylation process mediated by a promiscuous short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (HelC) and a cytochrome P450 enzyme (HelB1), which is distinct from the common sterol biosynthesis. These studies have set the stage for using biosynthetic approaches to expand chemical diversity of fusidane-type antibiotics.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 29158519 · DOI · PMC5696383
Transport of lipophilic carboxylates is mediated by transmembrane helix 2 in multidrug transporter AcrB [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- The deployment of multidrug efflux pumps is a powerful defence mechanism for Gram-negative bacterial cells when exposed to antimicrobial agents.
- Closing excerpt
- We propose that these bound drugs are actively displaced by an upward movement of TM2 towards the AcrB periplasmic porter domain in response to protonation events in the transmembrane domain.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (147 words)
The deployment of multidrug efflux pumps is a powerful defence mechanism for Gram-negative bacterial cells when exposed to antimicrobial agents. The major multidrug efflux transport system in Escherichia coli, AcrAB-TolC, is a tripartite system using the proton-motive force as an energy source. The polyspecific substrate-binding module AcrB uses various pathways to sequester drugs from the periplasm and outer leaflet of the inner membrane. Here we report the asymmetric AcrB structure in complex with fusidic acid at a resolution of 2.5 Å and mutational analysis of the putative fusidic acid binding site at the transmembrane domain. A groove shaped by the interface between transmembrane helix 1 (TM1) and TM2 specifically binds fusidic acid and other lipophilic carboxylated drugs. We propose that these bound drugs are actively displaced by an upward movement of TM2 towards the AcrB periplasmic porter domain in response to protonation events in the transmembrane domain.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 27982032 · DOI · PMC5171871
The global prevalence of fusidic acid resistance in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus: a systematic review and meta-analysis [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Background and aimStaphylococcus aureus (S.
- Closing excerpt
- These results indicate the need for prudent prescription of fusidic acid to stop or diminish the incidence of fusidic acid resistance as well as the development of strategies for monitoring the efficacy of fusidic acid use.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (202 words)
Background and aimStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most common pathogens causing nosocomial and community-acquired infections with high morbidity and mortality rates. Fusidic acid has been increasingly used for the treatment of infections due to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The present study aimed to determine the precise prevalence of fusidic acid resistant MRSA (FRMRSA), fusidic acid resistant MSSA (FRMSSA), and total fusidic acid resistant S. aureus (FRSA) on a global scale.MethodsSeveral international databases including Medline, Embase, and the Web of Sciences were searched (2000-2020) to discern studies addressing the prevalence of FRSA, FRMRSA, and FRMSSA. STATA (version14) software was used to interpret the data.ResultsOf the 1446 records identified from the databases, 215 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the detection of FRSA (208 studies), FRMRSA (143 studies), and FRMSSA (71 studies). The analyses manifested that the global prevalence of FRSA, FRMRSA, and FRMSSA was 0.5%, 2.6% and 6.7%, respectively.ConclusionThis meta-analysis describes an increasing incidence of FRSA, FRMSSA, and FRMRSA. These results indicate the need for prudent prescription of fusidic acid to stop or diminish the incidence of fusidic acid resistance as well as the development of strategies for monitoring the efficacy of fusidic acid use.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 33933162 · DOI · PMC8088720
Bacteriophage and Fusidic Acid Have Synergistic Effect Against Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in Ex Vivo Canine Dermis Model [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship has become vital given the progressive emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and novel approaches to the treatment of bacterial infections are needed.
- Closing excerpt
- Conclusions and clinical relevanceIn conclusion, topical co-treatment with fusidic acid and a phage could be a promising approach to the treatment of canine MRSP pyoderma.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (220 words)
BackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship has become vital given the progressive emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and novel approaches to the treatment of bacterial infections are needed. Recently, reported synergistic effects of antibacterial drugs and bacteriophage therapy have revealed promising applications for the management of meticillin-resistant staphylococcal infections.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the response of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) to treatment with a newly isolated, lytic MRSP-specific bacteriophage. Furthermore, a postulated synergism between phage and fusidic acid was examined in a canine ex vivo dermis model.Material and methodsSkin was harvested from the lateral thorax of a euthanised dog, clipped, the subcutis removed, and epidermis cleaved via a modified salt-split technique. The ex vivo dermis model established in Franz diffusion cells was inoculated with 1 × 107 colony-forming units (cfu) of a clinical MRSP strain for 16 h. Then, experimental groups were treated with phage vB_SpsS_LmqsKl44-4 at a concentration of 2 × 106 plaque-forming units and fusidic acid 0.4 mg alone or in combination for an additional 8 h.ResultsHistopathological results showed that colonies of MRSP reached the superficial dermis and entered hair follicles. Co-treatment with fusidic acid and phage significantly reduced the amount of MRSP after 8 h.Conclusions and clinical relevanceIn conclusion, topical co-treatment with fusidic acid and a phage could be a promising approach to the treatment of canine MRSP pyoderma.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40968468 · DOI · PMC12967880
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Dumb and dumber--the potential waste of a useful antistaphylococcal agent: emerging fusidic acid resistance in Staphylococcus aureus [5]
- Research article Fusidic Acid: A Bacterial Elongation Factor Inhibitor for the Oral Treatment of Acute and Chronic Staphylococcal Infections [6]
- Research article The antimicrobial activity of fusidic acid [7]
- Research article Fusidic acid pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics [8]
- Research article Fusidic acid in vitro activity [9]
- Research article Fusidic acid resistance in Staphylococcus aureus [10]
References
- Lv JM, Hu D, Gao H, Kushiro T, Awakawa T, Chen GD, et al.. Biosynthesis of helvolic acid and identification of an unusual C-4-demethylation process distinct from sterol biosynthesis. . 2017. PMID 29158519 · DOI · PMC5696383
- Oswald C, Tam HK, Pos KM. Transport of lipophilic carboxylates is mediated by transmembrane helix 2 in multidrug transporter AcrB. . 2016. PMID 27982032 · DOI · PMC5171871
- Hajikhani B, Goudarzi M, Kakavandi S, Amini S, Zamani S, van Belkum A, et al.. The global prevalence of fusidic acid resistance in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. . 2021. PMID 33933162 · DOI · PMC8088720
- Ehling S, Peh E, Oltmanns H, Meissner J, Kittler S, Puff C, et al.. Bacteriophage and Fusidic Acid Have Synergistic Effect Against Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in Ex Vivo Canine Dermis Model. . 2026. PMID 40968468 · DOI · PMC12967880
- Howden BP, Grayson ML. Dumb and dumber--the potential waste of a useful antistaphylococcal agent: emerging fusidic acid resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. Clin Infect Dis. 2006. PMID 16392088 · DOI
- Fernandes P. Fusidic Acid: A Bacterial Elongation Factor Inhibitor for the Oral Treatment of Acute and Chronic Staphylococcal Infections. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2016. PMID 26729758 · DOI · PMC4691801
- Verbist L. The antimicrobial activity of fusidic acid. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1990. PMID 2179201 · DOI
- Turnidge J. Fusidic acid pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 1999. PMID 10528784 · DOI
- Collignon P, Turnidge J. Fusidic acid in vitro activity. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 1999. PMID 10528786 · DOI
- Dobie D, Gray J. Fusidic acid resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. Arch Dis Child. 2004. PMID 14709515 · DOI · PMC1755935
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.