Potential use of curcumin against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus infection

Abstract

There is a growing concern about methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus infections in humans, specifically the more common MR Staphylococcus aureus (SA) or MRSA, and the less common but capable to produce even more potent toxins MR Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP) or MRSP. This concern translates into a more cautious prescription of generic antibiotics to avoid producing MR strains, as well as the search for new antibiotics, also working in synergy with established antibiotics to make them stronger or also reverse the methicillin resistance. The potential use of curcumin against MRSA/MRSP is here considered. While the use against MRSP is mostly uncovered, more works have detailed in vitro and in vivo experiences against MRSA. Curcumin may bind into the filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) proteins, preventing cytokines production and proliferation of the SA bacteria. Curcumin may also