Antibacterial efficacy of R-type pyocins against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on biofilms and in a murine model of acute lung infection. (8th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Redero, Mar; Aznar, Javier; Prieto, Ana I
• Is Part Of: Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy. Volume 75:Number 8(2020)
• Page Start: 2188
• Page End: 2196
• Publication Date: 2020-06-08
• Subjects: Anti-infective agents -- Periodicals; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.58
• DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-7453

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The appearance of MDR strains and the development of biofilms make Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections a therapeutic challenge. To overcome this scenario, bacteriocins have been proposed as a potential adjuvant or alternative to antibiotic treatment. Objectives: To study the activity of R-pyocins on biofilms and in a murine model of pneumonia using a high-risk clone of P. aeruginosa. Methods: The activity of R-pyocins on P. aeruginosa biofilms was tested on bacteria attached to a silicone surface, before and after biofilm formation. The effectiveness of R1-pyocin was studied in a murine model of pneumonia using ST175, a high-risk clone of P. aeruginosa . Results: R-pyocins attacked adherent bacteria, preventing biofilm formation, and penetrated into the biofilm, killing P. aeruginosa within it, resulting in a dramatic reduction in bacterial load. R1-pyocin was active in a murine model of P. aeruginosa lung infection, administered before infection as a preventive treatment, and in acute pneumonia, with efficiency higher than standard colistin treatment. In addition, this work is the first to describe histopathological lung changes after administration of R-pyocins, contributing to the resolution of P. aeruginosa pneumonia in a murine model. Conclusions: This work highlights the potential use of the R-pyocins as therapeutic agents, alone or as adjuvants, due to its effectiveness on biofilms and in a murine model of pneumonia using ST175, a high-risk clone of P. aeruginosa . It may thus be feasible to consider R-pyocins as a possible therapeutic alternative in XDR infections, where treatment alternatives are limited.