The Ixodes scapularis Symbiont Rickettsia buchneri Inhibits Growth of Pathogenic Rickettsiaceae in Tick Cells: Implications for Vector Competence

Ixodes scapularis is the primary vector of tick-borne pathogens in North America but notably does not transmit pathogenic Rickettsia species. This tick harbors the transovarially transmitted endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri, which is widespread in I. scapularis populations, suggesting that it confers a selective advantage for tick survival such as providing essential nutrients. The R. buchneri genome includes genes with similarity to those involved in antibiotic synthesis. There are two gene clusters not found in other Rickettsiaceae, raising the possibility that these may be involved in excluding pathogenic bacteria from the tick. This study explored whether the R. buchneri antibiotic genes might exert antibiotic effects on pathogens associated with I. scapularis. Markedly reduced infectivity and replication of the tick-borne pathogens Anaplasma phagocytophilum, R. monacensis, and R. parkeri were observed in IRE11 tick cells hosting R. buchneri. Using a fluorescent plate reader assay to follow infection dynamics revealed that the presence of R. buchneri in tick cells, even at low infection rates, inhibited the growth of R. parkeri by 86–100% relative to R. buchneri-free cells. In contrast, presence of the low-pathogenic species R. amblyommatis or the endosymbiont R. peacockii only partially reduced the infection and replication of R. parkeri. Addition of host-cell free R. buchneri, cell lysate of R. buchneri-infected IRE11, or supernatant from R. buchneri-infected IRE11 cultures had no effect on R. parkeri infection and replication in IRE11, nor did these treatments show any antibiotic effect against non-obligate intracellular bacteria E. coli and S. aureus. However, lysate from R. buchneri-infected IRE11 challenged with R. parkeri showed some inhibitory effect on R. parkeri infection of treated IRE11, suggesting that challenge by pathogenic rickettsiae may induce the antibiotic effect of R. buchneri. This research suggests a potential role of the endosymbiont in preventing other rickettsiae from colonizing I. scapularis and/or being transmitted transovarially. The confirmation that the observed inhibition is linked to R. buchneri's antibiotic clusters requires further investigation but could have important implications for our understanding of rickettsial competition and vector competence of I. scapularis for rickettsiae.

AcrB-TolC efflux system is essential for macrolide resistance in Helicobacter pylori

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori strains resistant to macrolide is increasing worldwide. Macrolide molecules can be generally extruded by the AcrB-TolC system in bacteria. The H. pylori 26695 genome was assessed for putative translocases and the outer membrane efflux of AcrB (HP607) and TolC (HP605) proteins. We investigated the role of the AcrB-TolC efflux system in macrolide resistant (M-R) H. pylori. Both acrB- and tolC-mutant M-R strains were constructed from M-R strains by insertional inactivation of the acrB and tolC genes. The minimal inhibition concentrations (MICs) of erythromycin (EM) and clarithromycin (CLR) were determined by an agar dilution assay. To investigate the efflux ability of macrolides, intracellular accumulation of radiolabeled EM in the H. pylori 26695 strain, M-R strain, and acrB- and tolC-mutant M-R strains was measured by a liquid scintillation counter. For Post antibiotic effect (PAE), EM-treated H. pylori was diluted 1000-fold to remove antimicrobial activity. After additional 24 hours incubation, the CFU was measured. The decrease in the levels of resistance to EM and CLR was 32-fold higher for the acrB- and tolC-mutant M-R strains than the M-R strains. The intracellular EM concentration significantly increased in the acrB- and tolC-mutant M-R strains than the H. pylori 26695 and M-R strains. Diluted acrB, and tolC M-R mutant H. pylori after EM treatment was markedly reduced compared to M-R H. pylori. Our result showed that the M-R mechanism of H. pylori is significantly associated with AcrB-TolC efflux system.

The Development of Third-Generation Tetracycline Antibiotics and New Perspectives

The tetracycline antibiotic class has acquired new valuable members due to the optimisation of the chemical structure. The first modern tetracycline introduced into therapy was tigecycline, followed by omadacycline, eravacycline, and sarecycline (the third generation). Structural and physicochemical key elements which led to the discovery of modern tetracyclines are approached. Thus, several chemical subgroups are distinguished, such as glycylcyclines, aminomethylcyclines, and fluorocyclines, which have excellent development potential. The antibacterial spectrum comprises several resistant bacteria, including those resistant to old tetracyclines. Sarecycline, a narrow-spectrum tetracycline, is notable for being very effective against Cutinebacterium acnes. The mechanism of antibacterial action from the perspective of the new compound is approached. Several severe bacterial infections are treated with tigecycline, omadacycline, and eravacycline (with parenteral or oral formulations). In addition, sarecycline is very useful in treating acne vulgaris. Tetracyclines also have other non-antibiotic properties that require in-depth studies, such as the anti-inflammatory effect effect of sarecycline. The main side effects of modern tetracyclines are described in accordance with published clinical studies. Undoubtedly, this class of antibiotics continues to arouse the interest of researchers. As a result, new derivatives are developed and studied primarily for the antibiotic effect and other biological effects.

In Vitro Synergism of Sulbactam- Cefoperazone and Fosfomycin Against Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella Aeromobilis from Indonesia

Introduction: There is no susceptibility data of E. coli and K. aeromobilis in Indonesia, even data regarding minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)-based susceptibility of E. coli and K. aeromobilis towards single antibiotic or combination of fosfomycin (FOS) and sulbactam-cepoferazone (SUL-CPZ) is very scarce, even though the data is required by clinicians. Methods: A descriptive observational study was carried out at the Microbiology Clinical Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia. Thirty strains each of clinical isolates of E. coli and K. aeromobilis were subjected to MIC determination against FOS and SUL-CPZ. For susceptibility criteria, we adopted the Eucast guideline. The synergism of the combined antibiotics was determined by checkerboard titration. One strain of E. coli and K. aeromobilis showing a synergistic and independent effect against the combined antibiotics was subjected to a time-kill assay. The post-antibiotic effect (PAE) was determined on a strain of E. coli showing synergism against the combined antibiotics. Results: The MIC level of all strains decreased when the bacteria were exposed to the combined antibiotics. Synergism was observed in 53.3% of E. coli and 56.8% of K. aeromobilis. No antagonism was observed. Higher bacterial death during the first four hours occurred with the isolate, showing synergism compared to the isolate showing an independent effect. The PAE of E. coli was longer when exposed to combined antibiotics. Conclusion: In vitro synergism of FOS and SUL-CPZ was observed in the majority of isolates and could be used as the basis for further research on empirical treatment

Dynamics of gut mucosal colonisation with extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacterales in Malawi

Shortening courses of antimicrobials has been proposed to reduce risk of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections, but acquisition and selection dynamics under antimicrobial pressure at the individual level are poorly understood. We combine multi-state modelling and whole-genome sequencing to understand colonisation dynamics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) in Malawian adults. We demonstrate prolonged post-exposure antibiotic effect, meaning short courses exert similar colonisation pressure to longer ones. Genome data does not identify widespread hospital-associated ESBL-E transmission, hence apparent acquisitions may be selected from the patient microbiota by antimicrobial exposure. Understanding ESBL-E dynamics under antimicrobial pressure is crucial for evidence-based stewardship protocols.

Adjunctive rifampicin increases antibiotic efficacy in group A streptococcal tissue infection models

Objectives: Biofilm has recently been highlighted as a complicating feature of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) caused by Streptococcus pyogenes ( i.e. group A streptococcus ; GAS) contributing to a persistence of bacteria in tissue despite prolonged antibiotic therapy. Here we assessed the standard treatment of benzylpenicillin and clindamycin with or without rifampicin in a tissue-like setting. Methods: Antibiotic efficacy was evaluated by colony forming units determination in a human organotypic skin model infected for 24 or 48 hours with GAS strains isolated from NSTI patients. Antibiotic effect was also evaluated by micro-calorimetric metabolic assessment in in vitro infections of cellular monolayers providing continuous measurements over time. Results: Adjunctive rifampicin resulted in enhanced antibiotic efficacy of bacterial clearance in an organotypic skin tissue model: 97.5% vs. 93.9% (p=0.006). Through microcalorimetric measurements, adjunctive rifampicin resulted in decreased metabolic activity and extended lag phase for all clinical GAS strains tested (p<0.05). In addition, a case report is presented of adjunctive rifampicin treatment in an NSTI case with persistent GAS tissue infection. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that adjunctive rifampicin enhances clearance of GAS biofilm in an in vitro tissue infection model.

Deciphering the Antibacterial Role of Peptide From Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii Ba49 Against Staphylococcus aureus

An increase in antibiotic resistance has led to escalating the need for the development of alternate therapy. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are at the forefront of replacing conventional antibiotics, showing slower development of drug resistance, antibiofilm activity, and the ability to modulate the host immune response. The ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) pathogens that jeopardize most conventional antibiotics are known to be involved in severe respiratory tract, bloodstream, urinary tract, soft tissue, and skin infections. Among them, S. aureus is an insidious microbe and developed resistance against conventional antibiotics. In the present study, an AMP (named as peptide-Ba49) isolated from Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii strain from Allium cepa (the common onion) exhibited strong antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus ATCC 25923. The mode of action of this peptide-Ba49 on S. aureus was deciphered through various sensitive probes, i.e., DiSC3 (5) and H2DCFDA, suggesting the peptide-Ba49 to be acting upon through change in membrane potential and by triggering the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This induced disruption of the cell membrane was further supported by morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Investigations on a possible post-antibiotic effect (PAE) of peptide-Ba49 showed prolonged PAE against S. aureus. Furthermore, the peptide-Ba49 prevented the formation of S. aureus biofilm at low concentration and showed its potential to degrade the mature biofilm of S. aureus. The peptide-Ba49 also exhibited intracellular killing potential against S. aureus ATCC 25923 in the macrophage cells, and moreover, peptide-Ba49 was found to bolster the fibroblast cell migration in the scratch assay at low concentration, exhibiting a wound healing efficacy of this peptide. These studies demonstrated that peptide-Ba49 isolated from the strain B. subtilis subsp. spizizenii could be a therapeutic candidate to combat the pathogenic S. aureus infections.

Effect of mupirocin in Helicobacter pylori in vitro

Mupirocin (MUP) is an effective antibiotic against MRSA. Its bactericidal effect is stable under acid condition. By validating its antibacterial effect of Helicobacter pylori, we try to clarify MUP effect on H. pylori. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of MUP on clarithromycin (CLR) / metronidazole (MNZ) -resistant and -susceptible strains of H. pylori, the time-kill effect of MUP, and the post antibiotic effect (PAE). We investigated the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal effect (MBC) of MUP against 140 H. pylori, which include clinical strains, ATCC43504, 26695 and J99. Ten of them were CLR -resistant strains and 3 were MNZ-resistant strains. The MIC90 and MBC of MUP on all 140 strains is 0.064 μg / ml, and 0.1 μg / ml, respectively. There were no differences of MUP effect between susceptible and resistant strains either for CLR or MNZ. Time-kill curve test and PAE test of MUP on ATCC43504 were performed. By adding MUP, time-kill curve showed that bacterial quantities decreased in dose and time-dependent manner. No viable colony was found after 12-hour culture with 0.1 μg / ml MUP. The value of PAE is 12. MUP is a potential effective antibiotic for H. pylori even those for CLR / MNZ -resistant strains.

Phytochemical, antimicrobial, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential of medicinal plant Dryopteris ramosa (Hope) C. Chr.

Background Dryopteris ramosa has numerous potentials uses in the treatment of different maladies as old traditional medication. The fronds of D. ramose are edible and orally administered for producing antibiotic effect. They are also used as astringent and febrifuge, and as a pesticide. Methods Extraction of fronds of D. ramosa using solvents of increasing polarity, namely, ethyl acetate, methanol and water were tested for phytochemical (qualitative tests, GC-MS), antimicrobial (well method), antioxidant (DPPH), antifungal (tube dilution), cytotoxic activity (brine shrimps lethality assay) and LOX and COX inhibitory activities were performed using standard methods. Results The phytochemical analysis of the crude methanolic extract revealed that the fronds are rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and triterpenoids. The total flavonoid content of the ethyl acetate fraction was 46.28 μg QE/mg extract. The GC-MS analysis revealed nine major compounds that constituted the crude drug and potentially had a role in reported activities. The crude extract was the most active amongst all the fractions against the bacterial and fungal strains used such that it inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa with a zone of 13 mm and a MIC value of 16 μg/ml as compared to the standard cefixime, which inhibited the zone by only 10 mm and a MIC value of 32 μg/ml. The highest antioxidant potential in DPPH assay was shown by the crude extract with 91.948% free radical scavenging activity. The bring shrimps lethality potential of the crude extract was the highest, with a LD50 value of 47.635 μg/ml. The ethyl acetate fraction inhibits 91.36% of alpha glucosidase enzyme at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. In case of acetylcholine esterase inhibition assay, the methanol fraction inhibits 58.26% of the enzyme activity. Similarly, for butyrylcholine esterase inhibition, the maximum inhibitory effect was seen in the methanol fraction, with a percentage inhibition of 47.32%. Conclusion These test results support traditional medicinal uses of the plant. Dryopteris ramosa could be imperative for being used as a therapeutic agent and the medicinal importance of this plant should be further investigated.

Benzohydrazide and Phenylacetamide Scaffolds: New Putative ParE Inhibitors

Antibacterial resistance (ABR) is a major life-threatening problem worldwide. Rampant dissemination of ABR always exemplified the need for the discovery of novel compounds. However, to circumvent the disease, a molecular target is required, which will lead to the death of the bacteria when acted upon by a compound. One group of enzymes that have proved to be an effective target for druggable candidates is bacterial DNA topoisomerases (DNA gyrase and ParE). In our present work, phenylacetamide and benzohydrazides derivatives were screened for their antibacterial activity against a selected panel of pathogens. The tested compounds displayed significant antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 0.64 to 5.65 μg/mL. Amongst 29 title compounds, compounds 5 and 21 exhibited more potent and selective inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli with MIC values at 0.64 and 0.67 μg/mL, respectively, and MBC at onefold MIC. Furthermore, compounds exhibited a post-antibiotic effect of 2 h at 1× MIC in comparison to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. These compounds also demonstrated the concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against E. coli and synergized with FDA-approved drugs. The compounds are screened for their enzyme inhibitory activity against E. coli ParE, whose IC50 values range from 0.27 to 2.80 μg/mL. Gratifyingly, compounds, namely 8 and 25 belonging to the phenylacetamide series, were found to inhibit ParE enzyme with IC50 values of 0.27 and 0.28 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, compounds were benign to Vero cells and displayed a promising selectivity index (169.0629–951.7240). Moreover, compounds 1, 7, 8, 21, 24, and 25 (IC50: &lt;1 and Selectivity index: &gt;200) exhibited potent activity in reducing the E. coli biofilm in comparison with ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and ampicillin. These astonishing results suggest the potential utilization of phenylacetamide and benzohydrazides derivatives as promising ParE inhibitors for treating bacterial infections.