The characteristics and roles of antimicrobial peptides as potential treatment for antibiotic-resistant pathogens: a review

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a significant and ever-increasing threat to global public health, increasing both morbidity and mortality rates, and the financial burden on health services. Infection by drug-resistant bacteria is anticipated to contribute to the demise of almost 10 million people by the year 2050 unless a competent and effective response is devised to engage with this issue. The emergence and spread of resistance are commonly caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics and substandard pharmaceuticals. It arises when pathogens adapt to different conditions and develop self-defence mechanisms. Currently, novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been reported to be the sole cure for some clinical cases of infectious diseases such as sepsis and skin infections, although these agents may, on occasion, require administration together with an adjunctive low-dose antibiotic. Although AMPs are a promising alternative form of anti-microbial therapy and easily applied in the medical sector, they still have limitations that should not be taken lightly. Hence, this review explores the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of AMPs for their potential in treating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

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MODELING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN PREGNANT WOMAN AND FETUS

Journal of Biological System ◽

10.1142/s0218339011004093 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 19 (03) ◽

pp. 505-520

Author(s):

HAI-FENG HUO ◽

JUN LI ◽

YU-NING LI

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Pregnant Woman ◽

Transmission Dynamics ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Uniform Persistence ◽

Antibiotic Residues ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Gestational Period ◽

Potential Impact

Infection caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens is one of global public health problems. Many factors contribute to the emergence and spread of these pathogens. A model which describes the transmission dynamics of susceptible and resistant bacteria in a pregnant woman and the fetus is presented. Detailed qualitative analysis about positivity, boundedness, global stability and uniform persistence of the model is carried out. Numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis show that antibiotic input has potential impact for neonatal drug resistance. Our results show that the resistant bacteria in baby mainly come from antibiotics which are wrongly-used during gestational period, or foods containing antibiotic residues.

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Bacteria and Their Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Ambient Air in Accra, Ghana, February 2020: A Cross-Sectional Study

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease ◽

10.3390/tropicalmed6030110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 110

Author(s):

Godfred Saviour Kudjo Azaglo ◽

Mohammed Khogali ◽

Katrina Hann ◽

John Alexis Pwamang ◽

Emmanuel Appoh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Ambient Air ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bacillus Species ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Bacterial Counts ◽

Inappropriate Use

Inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ambient air. There is no published information about the presence and resistance profiles of bacteria in ambient air in Ghana. We evaluated the presence and antibiotic resistance profiles of selected bacterial, environmental and meteorological characteristics and airborne bacterial counts in 12 active air quality monitoring sites (seven roadside, two industrial and three residential) in Accra in February 2020. Roadside sites had the highest median temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and PM10 concentrations, and median airborne bacterial counts in roadside sites (115,000 CFU/m3) were higher compared with industrial (35,150 CFU/m3) and residential sites (1210 CFU/m3). Bacillus species were isolated in all samples and none were antibiotic resistant. There were, however, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, non-hemolytic Streptococci, Coliforms and Staphylococci species, of which six (50%) showed mono-resistance or multidrug resistance to four antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone). There was a positive correlation between PM10 concentrations and airborne bacterial counts (rs = 0.72), but no correlations were found between PM10 concentrations and the pathogenic bacteria nor their antibiotic resistance. We call for the expansion of surveillance of ambient air to other cities of Ghana to obtain nationally representative information.

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Retail Chicken Carcasses as a Reservoir of Antimicrobial- Resistant Escherichia coli

University of the Future: Re-Imagining Research and Higher Education ◽

10.29117/quarfe.2020.0115 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nahla Omer Eltai ◽

Hadi M. Yassine ◽

Sara H. Al-Hadidi ◽

Tahra ElObied ◽

Asmaa A. Al Thani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Growth Promotion ◽

Multidrug Resistant ◽

Chicken Meat ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

E Coli ◽

Inappropriate Use ◽

Esbl Producers

The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) bacteria has been associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics in both humans and animals and with the consumption of food contaminated with resistant bacteria. In particular, the use of antibiotics as prophylactic and growth promotion purposes in food-producing animals has rendered many of the antibiotics ineffective. The increased global prevalence of AMR poses a significant threat to the safety of the world’s food supply. Objectives: This study aims at determining the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from local and imported retail chicken meat in Qatar. Methodology: A total of 270 whole chicken carcasses were obtained from three different hypermarket stores in Qatar. A total of 216 E. coli were isolated and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing against 18 relevant antibiotics using disc diffusion and micro- dilution methods. Furthermore, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production was determined via a double-disc synergetic test. Isolates harboring colistin resistance were confirmed using multiplex-PCR and DNA sequencing. Results: Nearly 89% (192/216) of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotics. In general, isolates showed relatively higher resistance to sulfamethoxazole (62%), tetracycline (59.7%), ampicillin and trimethoprim (52.3%), ciprofloxacin (47.7%), cephalothin, and colistin (31.9%). On the other hand, less resistance was recorded against amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (6%), ceftriaxone (5.1%), nitrofurantoin (4.2%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (4.2%), cefepime (2.3%), meropenem (1.4%), ertapenem (0.9%), and amikacin (0.9%). Nine isolates (4.2%) were ESBL producers. Furthermore, 63.4% were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The percentage of MDR, ESBL producers, and colistin-resistant isolates was significantly higher among local isolates compared to imported chicken samples. Conclusion: We reported a remarkably high percentage of the antibiotic-resistant E. coli in chicken meat sold at retail in Qatar. The high percentage of MDR and colistin isolates is troublesome to the food safety of raw chicken meat and the potential of antibiotic resistance spread to public health. Our findings support the need for the implementation of one health approach to address the spread of antimicrobial resistance and the need for a collaborative solution.

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PROBLEM OF ANTIBIOTIC USE AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN INDONESIA: ARE WE REALLY MAKING PROGRESS?

Indonesian Journal of Tropical and Infectious Disease ◽

10.20473/ijtid.v4i4.222 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 5 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Usman Hadi ◽

Kuntaman Kuntaman ◽

Mariyatul Qiptiyah ◽

Hari Paraton

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Prevention Study ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Inappropriate Use ◽

Government Hospitals ◽

Inappropriate Antibiotics ◽

Very High

Background: Based on the results Antimicrobial Resistance in Indonesia: prevalence and prevention-study (AMRIN-study), the Ministry of Health of Indonesia in 2005 began a program antibiotic resistance control (PPRA) in some government hospitals, and is currently developing to all government teaching hospitals in Indonesia. Aim: The core activities of the PPRA are to implement standardized surveillance emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, and the surveillance of antibiotic use in terms of quantity and quality. Method: Our research in the years 2003 showed the proportion of antibiotic use 84% of patients in a hospital. The use of inappropriate antibiotics was very high, 42% no indication. Result: In 2012 the results of surveillance showed decline of inappropriate use of antibiotic, but prevalence extended-spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL)-producing K.pneumoniae (58%), and E.coli (52%) andmethicillin-resistant S.aures (MRSA) (24%) were increasing. Conclusion: It was needed to implement the most appropriate programs to prevent the growth and development of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

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Phytochemicals: A Promising Weapon in the Arsenal against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics10091044 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1044

Author(s):

Bahman Khameneh ◽

N. A. Michael Eskin ◽

Milad Iranshahy ◽

Bibi Sedigheh Fazly Bazzaz

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Clinical Aspects ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Health Issues ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Safe Strategy ◽

Wide Range

The extensive usage of antibiotics and the rapid emergence of antimicrobial-resistant microbes (AMR) are becoming important global public health issues. Many solutions to these problems have been proposed, including developing alternative compounds with antimicrobial activities, managing existing antimicrobials, and rapidly detecting AMR pathogens. Among all of them, employing alternative compounds such as phytochemicals alone or in combination with other antibacterial agents appears to be both an effective and safe strategy for battling against these pathogens. The present review summarizes the scientific evidence on the biochemical, pharmacological, and clinical aspects of phytochemicals used to treat microbial pathogenesis. A wide range of commercial products are currently available on the market. Their well-documented clinical efficacy suggests that phytomedicines are valuable sources of new types of antimicrobial agents for future use. Innovative approaches and methodologies for identifying plant-derived products effective against AMR are also proposed in this review.

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Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Healthcare Systems: Four Steps for Effective Response

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/647058 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 67-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

John E. McGowan

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Systems ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria ◽

Effective Response ◽

Antibiotic Resistant

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Synergy of action of antimicrobial peptides PG-1 and ChBac3.4 with antiseptics against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Medical academic journal ◽

10.17816/maj18447-57 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 47-57

Author(s):

Maria Sergeyevna Zharkova ◽

Ekaterina S. Umnyakova ◽

Anna G. Afinogenova ◽

Gennady E. Afinogenov ◽

Aleksandr A. Kolobov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Peptides ◽

Sodium Hypochlorite ◽

Hemolytic Activity ◽

Etidronic Acid ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Bacterial Cells ◽

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Bacterial Membranes ◽

Combined Action

We investigated the combined effects of antimicrobial peptides PG-1 and ChBac3.4 with antiseptics (sodium hypochlorite, dioxidine, prontosan, poviargolum, and etidronic acid) to identify combinations that display synergistic antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We used the checker-board titration method to calculate fractional inhibitory concentration indices, and based on the indices the type of combined action was determined. The combined effect on the metabolic activity of bacteria was evaluated using the fluorescent marker resazurin, and the effect on the permeability of bacterial membranes for chromogenic markers was studied spectrophotometrically. The combined hemolytic activity of the combinations was investigated. Sodium hypochlorite was shown to be antagonistic with both antimicrobial peptides. With other antiseptics, combined action was characterized by additivity or synergy. Synergy was most pronounced with the preparation of highly dispersed silver poviargolum. Antiseptics accelerate the development of the antimicrobial effect of antimicrobial peptides but do not significantly affect the dynamics of the membranolytic action of antimicrobial peptides on bacterial cells. Synergy of hemolytic activity is rare. Thus, the combined use of antimicrobial peptides and antiseptics is promising for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and can be used to reduce the toxic effects of these compounds.

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Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Healthcare Systems: Four Steps for Effective Response

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.2307/30140944 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 67-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

John E. McGowan

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Systems ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria ◽

Effective Response ◽

Antibiotic Resistant

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Discovering Novel Antimicrobial Peptides in Generative Adversarial Network

10.1101/2021.11.22.469634 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tzu-Tang Lin ◽

Li-Yen Yang ◽

Ching-Tien Wang ◽

Ga-Wen Lai ◽

Chi-Fong Ko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Peptides ◽

Antibacterial Activities ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antibacterial Effects ◽

Generative Adversarial Network ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Adversarial Network ◽

Carbapenem Resistant ◽

Disk Diffusion Testing

Due to the growing number of clinical antibiotic resistance cases in recent years, novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can become ideal for next-generation antibiotics. This study trained a deep convolutional generative adversarial network (GAN) with known AMPs to generate novel AMP candidates. The quality of the GAN-designed peptides was evaluated in silico, and eight of them named GAN-pep 1~8 were chosen to be synthesized for further experiments. Disk diffusion testing and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination were used to determine the antibacterial effects of the synthesized GAN-designed peptides. Seven out of the eight synthesized GAN-designed peptides showed antibacterial activities. Additionally, GAN-pep 3 and GAN-pep 8 had a broad spectrum of antibacterial effects. Both of them were also effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). GAN-pep 3, the most promising GAN-designed peptide candidate, had low MICs against all the tested bacteria.

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