Etomidate inhibits the growth of MRSA and exhibits synergism with oxacillin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the anesthetic etomidate against strains of MRSA and biofilms. The antibacterial effect of etomidate was assessed by the broth microdilution method. To investigate the probable action mechanism of the compound flow cytometry techniques were used. MRSA strains showed MIC equal to 500 and 1000 μg/ml of etomidate. Four-fifths (80%) of the tested MRSA strains demonstrated synergistic effect with oxacillin. Etomidate also showed activity against MRSA biofilm at concentration of 250 μg/ml. Cytometric analysis revealed that the cells treated with etomidate leading to cell death, probably by apoptosis. Etomidate showed antibacterial activity against MRSA.