Comparative analysis of <i>Curcuma longa</i> (curcumin) and fusidic acid on the antimicrobial susceptibility of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i> in impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Curcuma longa contains curcumin, known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Evaluating the susceptibility of these bacteria to C. longa extract can help assess its potential as an antimicrobial agent. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility of S. aureus and S. pyogenes to C. longa extract and fusidic acid in impetigo patients. An in vitro experimental study using a posttest-only control group design was conducted from August to October 2023. Bacterial isolates were obtained from 60 impetigo patients (30 S. aureus and 30 S. pyogenes isolates). The isolates were treated with fusidic acid discs and C. longa extracts at 20%, 40%, and 80%. Inhibition zone diameters were measured and analyzed using the disc diffusion method and SPSS 25.0. The mean inhibition zone for S. aureus was 10.62 mm (20%), 11.78 mm (40%), and 16.21 mm (80%). For S. pyogenes, it was 9.86 mm (20%), 10.99 mm (40%), and 14.91 mm (80%). The Mann-Whitney test found no significant difference in inhibition between fusidic acid 10 μg and C. longa 40% or 80% (p≥0.05). Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed significant differences across treatment groups (p=0.000). C. longa, 40% and 80%, showed comparable antimicrobial activity to fusidic acid, indicating its potential as an alternative treatment for impetigo.