Mupirocin is used as a topical treatment for bacterial skin infections, for example, furuncle, impetigo, open wounds, etc. It is also useful in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is a significant cause of death in hospitalized patients having received systemic antibiotic therapy. It is suggested, however, that mupirocin cannot be used for extended periods of time, or indiscriminately, as resistance does develop, and could, if it becomes widespread, destroy mupirocin's value as a treatment for MRSA. It may also result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.