Bacitracin is a mixture of related cyclic polypeptides produced by organisms of the licheniformis group of Bacillus subtilis var Tracy, isolation of which was first reported in 1945. These peptides disrupt both gram positive and gram negative bacteria by interfering with cell wall and peptidoglycan synthesis.Bacitracin is used as a topical preparation. In terms of adverse reactions only, in comparison with bacitracin, white petrolatum possesses an equally low infection rate and minimal risk for induction of allergy.The widespread use of bacitracin, even for minor wounds where it is not useful, contributes to antibiotic resistance. This widespread use has contributed to the emergence of MRSA bacteria, specifically the highly lethal ST8:USA300 strain. Bacitracin is synthesised via what is called nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), which means that ribosomes are not involved in its synthesis.
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