Abstract: Objective To assess the antimicrobial actitivity of econazole nitrate in comparison with other six antibacterial drugs. Methods The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of econazole nitrate (Eco), neomycin (Neo), erythromycin (E), penicillin (P), cefotaxime sodium (Cef), ciprofloxacin (Cip) and amikacin (An) to 222 strains of Staphylococcus spp isolated from the lesions of patients with eczema and atopic dermatitis were determined by using the broth dilution method. Results MIC₅₀ values of Eco were similar to Neo, Cip, An and Cef, and lower than those of P and E on methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA); significantly lower than those of the other six antibacterial drugs on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); similar to An, Cip and P, and lower than those of Neo, Cef and E on methicillin-sensitive and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MSCNS); and similar to An, Cip P or Neo, and lower than Cef and E on methicillin-resistant and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (MRCNS). Based on the NCCLS standards, the resistance rates of Cip, P and E were very high to either Staphylococcus areus or coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS). The resistance rates of An and Cef of were lower to MSSA, but higher than 50% to MRSA. MIC90 value of Eco was similar to its MIC₅₀, and lower than the MIC value reported in the literature. The MIC90 value of neomycin was muich higher than the MIC₅₀ value of econazole. Conclusion Econazole nitrate has antibacterial activity to both Staphylococcus areus and CNS. MIC90 value of Eco is similar to its MIC₅₀, and no resistance to Eco was found.

Key words: Econazole, Microbial sensitivity tests, Antibiotics