Silver Sulfadiazine: Effect on the Growth and Ultrastructure of <i>Staphylococc</i><i>i</i>

Abstract

Clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis were sensitive to levels of silver sulfadiazine (AgSu) that can readily be achieved topically. As a species, S. epidermidis isolates were sensitive to lower levels of AgSu than S. aureus strains. There was no correlation between sensitivity to AgSu and sensitivity or resistance to other antimicrobial agents. Many of the strains tested were multiply-resistant to a number of antibiotics. Significantly, there was no relationship between sensitivity to AgSu and to sulfadiazine (sodium). AgSu-treated Staphylococcí became enlarged and exhibited retraction of the cytoplasmic membrane from the cell wall. Division planes between bacteria became indistinct. It is concluded that in Staphylococcí AgSu acts at the external cell structures.