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Comparative analysis of Curcuma longa (curcumin) and fusidic acid on the antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes in impetigo
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 8 May 2026
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Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Curcuma longa contains curcumin, known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Evaluating the susceptibility of these bacteria to C. longa extract can help assess its potential as an antimicrobial agent. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility of S. aureus and S. pyogenes to C. longa extract and fusidic acid in impetigo patients. An in vitro experimental study using a posttest-only control group design was conducted from August to October 2023. Bacterial isolates were obtained from 60 impetigo patients (30 S. aureus and 30 S. pyogenes isolates). The isolates were treated with fusidic acid discs and C. longa extracts at 20%, 40%, and 80%. Inhibition zone diameters were measured and analyzed using the disc diffusion method and SPSS 25.0. The mean inhibition zone for S. aureus was 10.62 mm (20%), 11.78 mm (40%), and 16.21 mm (80%). For S. pyogenes, it was 9.86 mm (20%), 10.99 mm (40%), and 14.91 mm (80%). The Mann-Whitney test found no significant difference in inhibition between fusidic acid 10 μg and C. longa 40% or 80% (p≥0.05). Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed significant differences across treatment groups (p=0.000). C. longa, 40% and 80%, showed comparable antimicrobial activity to fusidic acid, indicating its potential as an alternative treatment for impetigo.
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How to Cite
1.
Argentina F, Nopriyati N, Findrapase RPP, Yusuf H, Trifitriana M, Harahap DH. Comparative analysis of Curcuma longa (curcumin) and fusidic acid on the antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes in impetigo. Dermatol Reports [Internet]. 2026 May 8 [cited 2026 May 19];. Available from: https://journals.pagepress.net/dr/article/view/10339
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