Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The prevalence of bacterial resistance to common antibiotics has increased in recent years, highlighting the need to develop novel alternatives for controlling these pathogens. Pitviper venoms are composed of a multifaceted mixture of peptides, proteins and inorganic components. L-amino oxidase (LAO) is a multifunctional enzyme that is able to develop different activities including antibacterial activity. In this study a novel LAO from Bothrops mattogrosensis (BmLAO) was isolated and biochemically characterized. Partial enzyme sequence showed full identity to Bothrops pauloensis LAO. Moreover, LAO here isolated showed remarkable antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, clearly suggesting a secondary protective function. Otherwise, no cytotoxic activities against macrophages and erythrocytes were observed. Finally, some LAO fragments (BmLAO-f1, BmLAO-f2 and BmLAO-f3) were synthesized and further evaluated, also showing enhanced antimicrobial activity. Peptide fragments, which are the key residues involved in antimicrobial activity, were also structurally studied by using theoretical models. The fragments reported here may be promising candidates in the rational design of new antibiotics that could be used to control resistant microorganisms.
Highlights
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide
Antibacterial activity of B. mattogrosensis crude venom Based on the perspective of find novel antimicrobial agents in snake venoms the antibacterial activity of B. mattogrosensis crude venom (CVBm) against bacteria pathogenic to humans was evaluated
Our results demonstrated that B. mattogrosensis crude venom was active against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria (Table 1)
Summary
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is estimated that the incidence of HAIs is around 5–10% in developed countries, with a frequency exceeding 25% in developing nations. HAIs can be caused by a number of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses [1]. The pathogens involved in infectious processes consist mainly of constitutive bacteria from normal human microbiota. These bacteria are innocuous in healthy individuals but are able to cause severe and dangerous infections, mainly in immunocompromised individuals [2]. The prevalence of bacterial resistance to common antibiotics has increased in recent years, emphasising the need to develop novel alternatives for controlling these pathogens [2]
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