Ozenoxacin: A Review of Clinical Efficacy on Impetigo Treatment

Abstract

Impetigo, a common bacterial skin infection primarily affecting children, presents a global prevalence of 11.2%, with higher rates among children aged 2-5 years. Caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, impetigo lesions typically appear on the face, neck, and hands, spreading easily through scratching and close contact. Effective disease control is essential to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications such as rheumatic heart disease, and reduce transmission rates. Treatment with antimicrobial agents, especially topical antibiotics, is recommended for localized impetigo. Oral antibiotics are reserved for extensive or systemic infections and outbreaks. However, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), poses a significant challenge. There is a pressing need for alternative antimicrobial agents effective against resistant strains. Ozenoxacin, a new topical quinolone, inhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes for bacterial DNA replication. Unlike other quinolones, ozenoxacin effectively inhibits both enzymes at low concentrations, penetrating bacterial cells rapidly and achieving high intrabacterial concentrations. In tests against S. aureus and S. pyogenes, ozenoxacin exhibited superior bactericidal activity compared to mupirocin and fusidic acid, achieving a 3-log reduction in colony-forming units within 4 hours. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ozenoxacin 1% cream in treating impetigo, with placebo-controlled trials confirming its therapeutic effectiveness. Ozenoxacin holds promise as a valuable addition to the armamentarium against impetigo, particularly in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.impetigo, therapy, ozenoxacin