RESUMEN
Background@#Superficial pyoderma is an infection most commonly caused by Staphyloccoccus aureus. The drug of choice is 2% mupirocin cream. However, high cost and emerging drug resistance affect compliance and overall cure. Tinospora rumphii has demonstrated antibacterial activity in vivo rendering it a potential cost-effective alternative treatment.@*Objectives@#To determine the safety and efficacy of 25% T. rumphii cream versus 2% mupirocin cream in the treatment of superficial pyodermas caused by S. aureus.@*Methods@#A randomized, double-blind, controlled study of 60 patients with superficial pyodermas caused by S aureus, aged 18-60, were given either 25% T. rumphii or 2% mupirocin cream for two weeks. Bactericidal activity, erythema, edema, induration and size of lesion were evaluated at baseline, days 3, 7, and 14. Participants Global Assessment (PGA) score and adverse events were noted. Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney U and Pearson Chi square test. RESULTS: Fifty-one subjects (85%) completed the trial. There were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups for bactericial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (p=0.687) at day 14, for erythema (p=0.923, 0.5335, 0.3726, 0.6949), edema (p=0.0972, 0.5967, 0.2052, 0.2783), induration (p=0.0855, 0.3113, 0.281, 0.3161), and size of lesions (p=0.7262, 0.169, 0.15, 0.3988) at baseline, days 3, 7 and 14. There was no significant difference in PGA score (p=0.3086, 0.3483, 0.2234) at Days 3, 7 and 14 in both groups. No adverse events were noted.@*Conclusion@#Twenty five percent T. rumphii cream is equally safe and effective as 2% mupirocin cream for treatment of superficial pyodermas caused by S. aureus.