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 (888 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
A topically used antibiotic from a strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens. It has shown excellent activity against gram-positive staphylococci and streptococci. The antibiotic is used primarily for the treatment of primary and secondary skin disorders, nasal infections, and wound healing.
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: Pseudomonic Acid A; Mupirocin, Calcium Salt (2:1); Mupirocin, Calcium Salt (2:1), Dihydrate; Mupirocin, Sodium Salt; Mupirocin, Lithium Salt; Mupirocin, 14C-Labeled; 14C-Labeled Mupirocin; Mupirocin, 14C Labeled.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Epoxy Compounds; Pyrans; Fatty Acids
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 1,473 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Mupirocin” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 237 of them (16.1%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 519 records.
Reviews account for 152 records (10.3%) and meta-analyses for 26. Randomized controlled trials number 156 (10.6%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up a comparatively large share of this literature, which means many treatment questions have been tested directly.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 334 |
| 2000-2009 | 383 |
| 2010-2019 | 519 |
| 2020 onward | 237 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 152 | 10.3% |
| Meta-analyses | 26 | 1.8% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 156 | 10.6% |
Method: PubMed query "Mupirocin"[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.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Targeting FTO induces colorectal cancer ferroptotic cell death by decreasing SLC7A11/GPX4 expression | 2024 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 83 | cc by PMID 38600610 · DOI · PMC11005233 |
| Epistasis analysis uncovers hidden antibiotic resistance-associated fitness costs hampering the evolution of MRSA | 2018 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 37 | cc by PMID 30021593 · DOI · PMC6052701 |
| Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus Dual-Species Biofilm as a Target for the Combination of Essential Oils and Fluconazole or Mupirocin | 2017 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 29 | cc by PMID 28823093 · DOI · PMC5684249 |
| Cefadroxil-Mupirocin Integrated Electrospun Nanofiber Films for Burn Wound Therapy | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 3 | cc by PMID 40539348 · DOI · PMC13555835 |
Targeting FTO induces colorectal cancer ferroptotic cell death by decreasing SLC7A11/GPX4 expression [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Ferroptosis is a newly identified iron-dependent form of death that is becoming increasingly recognized as a promising avenue for cancer therapy.
- Closing excerpt
- Our findings reveal that FTO protects CRC from ferroptotic cell death in promoting CRC tumorigenesis through triggering SLC7A11/GPX4 expression.
- 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 (187 words)
Ferroptosis is a newly identified iron-dependent form of death that is becoming increasingly recognized as a promising avenue for cancer therapy. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant reversible methylation modification in mRNA contributing to tumorigenesis. However, the crucial role of m6A modification in regulating ferroptosis during colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis remains elusive. Herein, we find that m6A modification is increased during ferroptotic cell death and correlates with the decreased m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) expression. Functionally, we demonstrate that suppressing FTO significantly induces CRC ferroptotic cell death, as well as enhancing CRC cell sensitivity to ferroptosis inducer (Erastin and RSL3) treatment. Mechanistically, high FTO expression increased solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) or glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expressions in an m6A-YTHDF2 dependent manner, thereby counteracting ferroptotic cell death stress. In addition, we identify Mupirocin as a novel inhibitor of FTO, and Mupirocin induces CRC ferroptosis and inhibits tumor growth. Clinically, the levels of FTO, SLC7A11, and GPX4, are highly correlated expression in CRC tissues. Our findings reveal that FTO protects CRC from ferroptotic cell death in promoting CRC tumorigenesis through triggering SLC7A11/GPX4 expression.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38600610 · DOI · PMC11005233
Epistasis analysis uncovers hidden antibiotic resistance-associated fitness costs hampering the evolution of MRSA [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundFitness costs imposed on bacteria by antibiotic resistance mechanisms are believed to hamper their dissemination.
- Closing excerpt
- However, this study suggests there are levels of depth that we do not understand, and that holistic, surveillance and functional genomics approaches are required to gain this crucial information.
- 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 (241 words)
BackgroundFitness costs imposed on bacteria by antibiotic resistance mechanisms are believed to hamper their dissemination. The scale of these costs is highly variable. Some, including resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to the clinically important antibiotic mupirocin, have been reported as being cost-free, which suggests that there are few barriers preventing their global spread. However, this is not supported by surveillance data in healthy communities, which indicate that this resistance mechanism is relatively unsuccessful.ResultsEpistasis analysis on two collections of MRSA provides an explanation for this discord, where the mupirocin resistance-conferring mutation of the ileS gene appears to affect the levels of toxins produced by S. aureus when combined with specific polymorphisms at other loci. Proteomic analysis demonstrates that the activity of the secretory apparatus of the PSM family of toxins is affected by mupirocin resistance. As an energetically costly activity, this reduction in toxicity masks the fitness costs associated with this resistance mutation, a cost that becomes apparent when toxin production becomes necessary. This hidden fitness cost provides a likely explanation for why this mupirocin-resistance mechanism is not more prevalent, given the widespread use of this antibiotic.ConclusionsWith dwindling pools of antibiotics available for use, information on the fitness consequences of the acquisition of resistance may need to be considered when designing antibiotic prescribing policies. However, this study suggests there are levels of depth that we do not understand, and that holistic, surveillance and functional genomics approaches are required to gain this crucial information.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 30021593 · DOI · PMC6052701
Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus Dual-Species Biofilm as a Target for the Combination of Essential Oils and Fluconazole or Mupirocin [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- The effectiveness of essential oils (EOs), fluconazole (FLU) and mupirocin (MUP) used alone or in combination against mono-species and mixed Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus biofilms was examined.
- Closing excerpt
- Moreover, dual-species biofilm formation was limited by sub-MIC of EOs, and preformed mixed biofilm was eliminated more efficiently by combined action of drugs and EOs.
- 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 (141 words)
The effectiveness of essential oils (EOs), fluconazole (FLU) and mupirocin (MUP) used alone or in combination against mono-species and mixed Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus biofilms was examined. An experimentally established dual-species biofilm model, verified by fluorescence microscopy and viable cell counting, was used. Selected commercial EOs were tested: geranium, citronella and clove oils, which have been chemically characterized and found to differ in the content of the main components (qualitative and quantitative). As expected, C. albicans and S. aureus biofilms were less susceptible to fluconazole and mupirocin action, respectively, compared to the planktonic counterparts. However, the drug effectiveness in combination with the EOs was significantly improved, giving enhancement of biofilm eradication than caused by the antibiotics alone. Moreover, dual-species biofilm formation was limited by sub-MIC of EOs, and preformed mixed biofilm was eliminated more efficiently by combined action of drugs and EOs.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 28823093 · DOI · PMC5684249
Cefadroxil-Mupirocin Integrated Electrospun Nanofiber Films for Burn Wound Therapy [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionThis study aims to fabricate dual drug-loaded nanofibrous films made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan, incorporating cefadroxil and mupirocin to meet the critical needs of burn wound care.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionThe study demonstrates that cefadroxil-mupirocin nanofiber films provide superior antibacterial activity and faster wound healing rates, highlighting their potential in advanced burn wound management.
- 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 (319 words)
IntroductionThis study aims to fabricate dual drug-loaded nanofibrous films made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan, incorporating cefadroxil and mupirocin to meet the critical needs of burn wound care.MethodsElectrospinning was utilized to fabricate cefadroxil- and mupirocin-loaded polyvinyl alcohol PVA/Chitosan nanofibers. Characterization of structural and morphological properties of these nanofibers was done through Fourier Transform IR Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermal analysis by TGA, and XRD spectroscopy. The kinetic profiles of the drug release mechanisms were considered to determine the release of cefadroxil and mupirocin. Antibacterial activity was determined against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the wound healing efficacy was tested in a rabbit model using full-thickness wounds.ResultsSEM analysis demonstrated the formation of uniform and smooth nanofibers possessing a well-defined morphology. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of cefadroxil and mupirocin into the PVA/Chitosan matrix. TGA analysis indicated the thermal stability of the nanofibers, while XRD results suggested that the drugs were either molecularly dispersed or in an amorphous state within the biopolymeric blend. Drug release studies showed distinct profiles, with an initial burst release followed by sustained drug release. Over 80% of mupirocin was released within the first 2 hours, while cefadroxil exhibited a cumulative release exceeding 60%. Antibacterial assays showed significant inhibition zones, with the largest being 20 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. In vivo studies utilizing a full-thickness rabbit wound model revealed that the drug-loaded nanofibers accelerated wound contraction, achieving approximately 90% closure by day 17, compared to less than 70% for the control.DiscussionThe dual drug-loaded PVA/Chitosan nanofiber films demonstrated excellent antibacterial efficacy and improved wound healing, indicating their therapeutic potential for burn wound management. The combination of cefadroxil and mupirocin within the nanofiber matrix enabled rapid initial drug release followed by sustained delivery, contributing to effective infection control and tissue regeneration.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that cefadroxil-mupirocin nanofiber films provide superior antibacterial activity and faster wound healing rates, highlighting their potential in advanced burn wound management.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40539348 · DOI · PMC13555835
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 Mupirocin resistance [5]
- Research article Dialysis catheter-related bacteremia: treatment and prophylaxis [6]
- Research article The emergence of mupirocin resistance: a challenge to infection control and antibiotic prescribing practice [7]
- Research article Intranasal mupirocin for reduction of Staphylococcus aureus infections in surgical patients with nasal carriage: a systematic review [8]
- Research article Mupirocin resistance: clinical implications and potential alternatives for the eradication of MRSA [9]
- Research article Mupirocin ointment for preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections in nasal carriers [10]
References
- Qiao Y, Su M, Zhao H, Liu H, Wang C, Dai X, et al.. Targeting FTO induces colorectal cancer ferroptotic cell death by decreasing SLC7A11/GPX4 expression. . 2024. PMID 38600610 · DOI · PMC11005233
- Yokoyama M, Stevens E, Laabei M, Bacon L, Heesom K, Bayliss S, et al.. Epistasis analysis uncovers hidden antibiotic resistance-associated fitness costs hampering the evolution of MRSA. . 2018. PMID 30021593 · DOI · PMC6052701
- Budzyńska A, Różalska S, Sadowska B, Różalska B. Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus Dual-Species Biofilm as a Target for the Combination of Essential Oils and Fluconazole or Mupirocin. . 2017. PMID 28823093 · DOI · PMC5684249
- Rashid S, Ijaz M, Rafique S, Yasin H, Mushtaq M, Khan AK, et al.. Cefadroxil-Mupirocin Integrated Electrospun Nanofiber Films for Burn Wound Therapy. . 2026. PMID 40539348 · DOI · PMC13555835
- Patel JB, Gorwitz RJ, Jernigan JA. Mupirocin resistance. Clin Infect Dis. 2009. PMID 19673644 · DOI
- Allon M. Dialysis catheter-related bacteremia: treatment and prophylaxis. Am J Kidney Dis. 2004. PMID 15492943 · DOI
- Cookson BD. The emergence of mupirocin resistance: a challenge to infection control and antibiotic prescribing practice. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1998. PMID 9511032 · DOI
- van Rijen MM, Bonten M, Wenzel RP, Kluytmans JA. Intranasal mupirocin for reduction of Staphylococcus aureus infections in surgical patients with nasal carriage: a systematic review. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2008. PMID 18174201 · DOI
- Poovelikunnel T, Gethin G, Humphreys H. Mupirocin resistance: clinical implications and potential alternatives for the eradication of MRSA. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2015. PMID 26142407 · DOI
- van Rijen M, Bonten M, Wenzel R, Kluytmans J. Mupirocin ointment for preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections in nasal carriers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008. PMID 18843708 · DOI · PMC8988859
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.