bacitracin

Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic primarily used topically to prevent infection in minor skin injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns. It is produced by *Bacillus licheniformis* and consists of a mixture of related cyclic peptides, with bacitracin A being the most active component. Bacitracin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis through interference with the dephosphorylation of C55-isoprenyl pyrophosphate, an essential molecule in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. This action disrupts the formation of the bacterial cell wall, leading to bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Systemic use (intramuscular) is rare due to nephrotoxicity but may be considered for specific staphylococcal infections in infants[1][2][3][4][6].

Brand names

Baciguent

Other names

bacitracin