Flurbiprofen,a unique non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with antimicrobial activity against Trichophyton,Microsporum and Epidermophyton species

AIMS: The objective of this study was to determine the antifungal activity of flurbiprofen against dermatophytes like Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton species. METHODS AND RESULTS: Susceptibility tests were performed against dermatophytes like Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton species by the microbroth dilution method. Among the dermatophytes tested, Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton species are remarkably susceptible to this compound (MIC(50): 8-16 microg ml(-1)). A yeast pathogen, Candida albicans, and a bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, are also susceptible to flurbiprofen. CONCLUSIONS: Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound with strong antifungal activity, which is not found in two well known and medically used antifungal organic acids like benzoic and salicylic acids. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present action of flurbiprofen on microbes indicates its future prospects as an antimicrobial agent against dermatophytes and yeast pathogens. However, in view of the anti-inflammatory property of flurbiprofen, its antifungal action may provide an additional advantage for use as a skin ointment.