Russian Scientists Develop Multiple Enzybiotics Protocol for Hard-to-Treat Bacterial Infections
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 05, 2024 6 days, 15 hours, 32 minutes ago
Medical News: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global crisis, leading to infections that are harder to treat and, in some cases, life-threatening. A team of researchers from the N.F. Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and the Faculty of Biology at M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia have explored a groundbreaking solution. Their work focuses on innovative protein-based therapies known as enzybiotics, which hold promise against drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Russian Scientists Develop Multiple Enzybiotics Protocol for Hard-to-Treat Bacterial Infections
Enzybiotics, derived from bacteria and bacteriophages, are natural enzymes capable of breaking down the protective layers of bacteria. However, when used alone, their effectiveness can be limited. To overcome this, the researchers have developed a new approach by combining multiple enzybiotics to enhance their therapeutic impact. This
Medical News report delves into their findings and explains how this could revolutionize treatment for stubborn infections.
What Are Enzybiotics and Why Do They Matter
Enzybiotics are specialized enzymes designed to target and destroy bacteria, offering a rapid action mechanism with a lower risk of resistance development. They are effective against biofilms - thick layers of bacteria that are often resistant to conventional treatments. Despite their potential, enzybiotics are usually limited to specific bacteria types, such as Gram-positive or Gram-negative, due to structural differences in bacterial cell walls.
The study investigates a combination of enzymes targeting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. By doing so, it aims to treat complex infections caused by multiple bacterial species, which are particularly challenging to address in clinical settings.
Key Study Findings
The researchers tested various combinations of enzybiotics in the lab and on animal models. The study's highlights include:
-Combination Synergy: The team found that combining enzymes with different bacterial targets significantly improved antibacterial effectiveness. For instance, one enzyme, LysAm24-SMAP, was effective against Gram-negative bacteria, while others, such as LysCH2 and lysostaphin, targeted Gram-positive bacteria.
-Enhanced Biofilm Disruption: The combination was particularly effective in breaking down biofilms formed by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These biofilms often protect bacteria from antibiotics, prolonging infections and complicating treatments.
-Improved In Vivo Results: In a murine wound model, the enzyme combination not only reduced bacterial loads but also accelerated wound healing. This was achieved by targeting and dismantling the bacterial colonies, preventing the spread of infection.
How
the Enzymes Work Together
LysAm24-SMAP, an engineered enzyme, is designed to penetrate and break down Gram-negative bacterial walls. In contrast, lysostaphin and LysCH2 specifically target the cross-links in Gram-positive bacterial cell walls. When used together, these enzymes create a synergistic effect, enhancing each other's activity. This synergy leads to a more comprehensive bacterial attack, disrupting biofilms and reducing bacterial survival rates more effectively than when used alone.
Animal Model Insights
The combination therapy was tested on mice with wounds infected by biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Key observations include:
-Reduction in Bacterial Load: The enzyme mixture significantly lowered bacterial counts compared to untreated wounds.
-Faster Healing: Mice treated with the combination therapy showed smaller wound sizes and less inflammation compared to those treated with a placebo gel.
-Prevention of Systemic Infection: The treatment effectively prevented bacteria from spreading into the bloodstream, a common and dangerous complication in chronic infections.
Potential Applications
This therapy could transform the management of infections in hospitals, especially for patients with wounds, surgical site infections, or chronic ulcers. Additionally, it holds promise for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, offering a valuable alternative to traditional antibiotics.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the results are promising, further work is needed to optimize enzyme concentrations and delivery methods. The study emphasizes the importance of developing formulations that maximize enzyme stability and activity. The researchers also advocate for additional clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach in humans.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that combining multiple enzybiotics can create a powerful tool against stubborn bacterial infections, particularly those involving biofilms. This approach not only reduces bacterial loads but also promotes faster healing, offering hope for treating complex infections that defy standard therapies.
These findings suggest a future where antibiotics are no longer the only line of defense against bacterial infections. With continued research and development, enzybiotics could become a staple in modern medicine, tackling some of the toughest bacterial challenges.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Gels.
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202412.0041/v1
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/macrolide-resistance-after-covid-19
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/uk-reports-66730-antibiotic-resistant-infections-in-2023-2024-set-to-break-even-more-alarming-records
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