Cow gut enzyme could help target bacterial biofilms and antibiotic-resistant infections
The bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii poses a substantial threat in health care settings, readily forming biofilms on wounds and medical surfaces and contributing to persistent infections and delayed healing. Its growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and status as a WHO critical-priority pathogen underscore the urgent need for new wound management strategies. However, many current treatments are…
The bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant threat in healthcare environments, capable of forming biofilms that lead to persistent and delayed healing infections. Its growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has prompted researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to explore new wound management strategies. Biofilms are bacterial communities encased in a protective matrix of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and extracellular DNA, which act as a barrier reducing the penetration and effectiveness of antimicrobials and host immune cells.
Researchers identified specific enzymes from bovine rumen (cow gut) that can break down the polysaccharide components of these biofilms. These enzymes, such as CRhAB (Cow rumen hydrolase against A. baumannii), target the polysaccharide-rich biofilms of Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, weakening the bacteria's defenses without directly killing them. This approach potentially restores the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and reduces the selective pressure that drives antibiotic resistance.
The enzyme-impregnated gauze was developed for wound applications, demonstrating its effectiveness in matrix-targeting biofilms and reducing the expression of key biofilm-related genes in bacteria. This strategy offers a dual bacterial approach, as the same enzyme targets both Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are among the most notorious pathogens in the ESKAPE group of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The researchers are working on developing a patchlike wound dressing to treat challenging infections, such as diabetic foot infections, and investigating delivery systems for respiratory infections, including those caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. A long-term goal is to create an inhalable or nebulizable CRhAB formulation that directly targets the lungs, preventing biofilm formation and disrupting established biofilms in chronic A. baumannii respiratory infections.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
