Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index Research Articles

Synergistic antibacterial activity of cell wall hydrolase Lys14579 combined with cinnamaldehyde against emetic Bacillus cereus and their application in foods

Synergistic antibacterial effect as a promising strategy against foodborne pathogens is compelling since the development of novel antibacterial agents is not so easy. Here we investigated the synergistic effect of cell wall hydrolase Lys14579 and cinnamaldehyde (CAL) against emetic Bacillus cereus. The MICs of Lys14579 and CAL against emetic B. cereus were 25 and 200 μg/mL, respectively. The combination of Lys14579 and CAL displayed a synergistic antimicrobial effect with a Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) of 0.375. Bactericidal assays revealed that this combination had better bactericidal performance than either substance alone. Furthermore, the combination of Lys14579 and CAL effectively inhibited the biofilm formation of emetic B. cereus at the concentrations of 6.25 and 50 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, it down-regulated the cereulide synthetase gene (cesB) expression at the transcription level and reduced swarming motility by 55%. Scanning electron microscope and PI uptake assays further demonstrated that the combination accelerated the disruption of emetic B. cereus cells. Finally, the synergistic preservative effect of this combinational was observed in boiled rice and fresh lean beef. Thus, the combination of Lys14579 and CAL represents a potential synergistic strategy for controlling emetic B. cereus contamination in the food industry.

Synergistic antibacterial effects of closantel and its enantiomers in combination with colistin against multidrug resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Drug combinations and repurposing have recently provided promising alternatives to cope with the increasingly severe issue of antibiotic resistance and depletion of natural drug molecular repertoires that undermine traditional antibacterial strategies. Closantel, an effective adjuvant, reverses antibiotic resistance in gram-negative bacteria. Herein, the combined antibacterial enantioselectivity of closantel is presented through separate enantiomer studies. Despite yielding unexpected differences, two closantel enantiomers (R, S) increased colistin activity against gram-negative bacteria both in vitro and in vivo. The fractional inhibitory concentration indices of R-closantel and S-closantel combined with colistin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli ranged from 0.0087 to 0.5004 and from 0.0117 to 0.5312, respectively. This difference was further demonstrated using growth inhibition assays and time-killing curves. Mechanistically, a higher intracellular concentration of R-CLO is more effective in enhancing the antimicrobial activity of combination. A mouse cutaneous infection model confirmed the synergistic stereoselectivity of closantel. This discovery provides novel insights for developing precision medication and containment of increasing antibiotic resistance.

In vitro efficacy of combinations of antibiotics used in clinical practice on clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori.

The main antibiotics used against Helicobacter pylori have been chosen empirically over time, with few preclinical studies to provide support. The rise in resistance to some of these antibiotics is prompting a reassessment of their use. This work aimed to evaluate the invitro efficacy of 2 × 2 combinations of the most widely used antibiotics against H. pylori. J99 reference strains and 19 clinical isolates of H. pylori with various antibiotic resistance phenotypes were used. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were carried out using the microdilution method in 96-well plates. The activity of 15 possible combinations of two antibiotics including amoxicillin, clarithromycin (CLA), levofloxacin, rifampicin, tetracycline, and metronidazole was determined for all strains by the checkerboard method. A mean fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICmean) was calculated for each combination and strain and the type of pharmacodynamic interaction was considered as synergic if FICmean ≤ 0.5, additive if 0.5 < FICmean ≤ 1, indifferent if 1 < FICmean < 4 or antagonistic if FICmean ≥ 4. Most of the 285 pharmacodynamic interactions tested with clinical strains were close to additivity (average FICmean = 0.89 [0.38-1.28]). No interaction was found to be antagonistic. When two antibiotics to which a strain was resistant were combined, the concentrations required to inhibit bacterial growth were higher than their respective breakpoints. The present results have shown that invitro, the different antibiotics used in therapeutics have additive effects. The addition of the effects of two antibiotics to which a strain was resistant was not sufficient to inhibit bacterial growth. In probabilistic treatment, the choice of antibiotics to combine should therefore be based on the local epidemiology of resistance, and on susceptibility testing in the case of CLA therapy, so that at least one antibiotic to which the strain is susceptible is used.

Alternaria sp., a new pathogen causing leaf spot in broccoli, and its management with Monarda citriodora essential oil (MEO) and isoeugenol combination

Infected leaves were collected from the field, and the causative pathogen was isolated. The pathogen was identified through morphological studies and ITS of rRNA sequencing as Alternaria sp. Monarda citriodora essential oil (MEO) and isoeugenol showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 312.5 μg/mL and 156.25 μg/mL, respectively, against the isolated pathogen. Synergistic interaction was observed in the combination of MEO-isoeugenol with a fractional inhibitory concentration index of 0.49. The MEO-isoeugenol combination showed a significant curative and protective effect against the isolated pathogen in the glasshouse pot study.

Synergistic Inhibition of Synbiotic Cultures among Lactobacilli and Plant Extracts against Vaginal Discharge Causing Candida albicans.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among women. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic anticandidal effect of lactobacillus cultures supplemented with plant extracts. Among 600 isolates of lactic acid bacteria, 41 isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against Candida albicans ATCC10231. Six out of 41 cell-free supernatants demonstrated the most potent antibacterial and anticandidal activities. They also inhibited the clinical isolates of C. albicans, causing VVC and non-C. albicans. The synergistic effect between Lactobacillus crispatus 84/7 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri 89/4 was demonstrated by the lowest fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI = 0.5). The synbiotic culture of bacterial combination, cultured with Jerusalem artichoke (H. tuberosus) extract, also exhibited the strongest inhibition against the tested C. albicans. Biofilm formation decreased after 12 h of incubation in the selected cell-free supernatants of this synbiotic culture. The anticandidal activity of crude extracts was lost after treatment with proteinase K and trypsin but not with heating conditions, suggesting that it may be a heat-stable substance. In conclusion, the combination of L. crispatus 84/7 and L. reuteri 89/4 with H. tuberosus may be a promising candidate for inhibiting Candida infection and biofilm formation, with the potential use as ingredients in vaginal biotherapeutic products.

Potentiation of the Antimicrobial Effect of Oxytetracycline Combined with Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, and Red Thyme Essential Oils against MDR Salmonella enterica Strains.

Tetracyclines have a high resistance percentage in Salmonella spp. of both human and animal origin. Essential oils, such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and red thyme (Thymus zygis), have shown bactericidal activity against this bacterium. However, in many cases, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) exceeds the cytotoxicity limits. The objective of this study was to assess the in vitro efficacy of combining oxytetracycline with essential these oils against field multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica strains. The MIC of each product was determined using the broth microdilution method. The interaction was evaluated using the checkerboard method, by means of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICindex) determination. The results showed a positive interaction (synergy and additivity) between oxytetracycline and the four oils tested, resulting in a reduction in both products' MICs by 2 to 4 times their initial value, in the case of oils, and by 2 to 1024 times in the case of the antibiotic. The combination of oxytetracycline and cinnamon achieved the best results (FICindex 0.5), with a decrease in the antibiotic effective concentration to below the sensitivity threshold (MIC of the combined oxytetracycline 0.5 µg/mL). There was no antagonistic effect in any case, although differences in response were observed depending on the bacterial strain. The results of this study suggest that combining oxytetracycline with cinnamon oil could be an effective alternative for controlling tetracycline-resistant strains of Salmonella. However, its individual use should be further evaluated through in vitro susceptibility tests.

Investigation of the Antibacterial Synergistic Activity of Fosfomycin-Teicoplanin Combination in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Various Clinical Sample

The aim of this study was to investigate the detection of teicoplanin and fosfomycin antibiotic susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains by different methods and to evaluate the antibacterial synergistic effect of teicoplanin-fosfomycin combination by using checkerboard assay and time kill curve assay. Forty-five MRSA strains isolated from clinical samples in routine medical microbiology laboratory of Göztepe Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital were included in the study. In the first stage of the combination study, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were investigated by broth microdilution for teicoplanin and by both broth microdilution and agar dilution methods for fosfomycin. The combination of teicoplanin and fosfomycin was tested by the checkerboard method in 45 MRSA strains and combination effect was determined according to fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) calculation. The synergistic effect and bactericidal activity of antibiotic combination were studied against a randomly selected strain from the strains used in the study by using time-kill method for 24 hours. As a result of teicoplanin and fosfomycin antibiotic susceptibility studies, all isolates were found to be susceptible to both antibiotics according to the susceptibility breakpoints determined by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). A synergistic effect was found in 22 (49%), additive effect in 22 (49%) and indifferent effect in one (2%) of the 45 strains studied with the checkerboard method. The mean ΣFIC of 45 isolates was found to be 0.5. In the combination study of the antibiotics of the isolate that was studied with time-kill method, synergism was detected for 1/8 MIC concentrations at 12th hour and 24th hour and synergism at 1/4 MIC concentration at sixth hour, 12th hour and 24th hour. In the combination study of 1/4 MIC concentrations of antibiotics, bactericidal effect was detected at sixth hour and this effect was observed to disappear at 12th and 24th hours. High rate of synergistic antibacterial effect of teicoplanin-fosfomycin combination on MRSA isolates was demonstrated as a result of in vitro tests. Such studies conducted on antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections will provide clinicians different treatment options and will contribute to increasing survival. As a result of this study, provided that it is supported by future clinical studies, it can be stated that the teicoplanin-fosfomycin combination may be an effective treatment option in community and hospital-acquired infections caused by MRSA.

Triterpenoid saponin from Panax ginseng increases the sensitivity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to β-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics.

The triterpenoid saponins, ginsenosides, are the major bioactive compound of red ginseng and can exert various physiological activities. In the present study, we examined whether red ginseng extract (RGE) exerts antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). RGE had no bactericidal activity, at least in the range of dissolvable concentration. However, RGE reduced 0.03-0.25-fold the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of β-lactam antibiotics (oxacillin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, and cefazolin) and aminoglycoside antibiotics (kanamycin and gentamicin) against the two laboratory strains of MRSA. Moreover, the fractional inhibitory concentration index indicated the synergistic activity of RGE with each of the antibiotics. RGE also increased the kanamycin sensitivity of 15 MRSA strains isolated from human volunteers and increased the ampicillin sensitivity of five MRSA strains isolated from dairy cows diagnosed with bovine mastitis. In contrast, RGE did not alter the MIC values of fosfomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin, suggesting that RGE acts selectively. In contrast, Triton X-100, which was reported to reduce the MIC value of β-lactam antibiotics to MRSA by increasing membrane permeability, reduced the MIC values of fosfomycin and tetracycline. These results indicate that RGE increases the bactericidal effect of antibiotics via a mechanism different from that used by Triton X-100. We found that ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), a component of RGE, was an essential compound that exhibits synergy activity with antibiotics. Furthermore, the non-natural compound K, which contains a common protopanaxadiol aglycon moiety with Rg3, also showed synergistic activity with antibiotics. Thus, Rg3 and compound K are potentially new antibiotic adjuvants against MRSA.IMPORTANCEMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug-resistant organism that is prevalent worldwide. Therefore, the research and development of new agents against MRSA are required. We first found that ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) in red ginseng, made from the roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, increased the sensitivity of β-lactam antibiotics and aminoglycoside antibiotics to MRSA. Furthermore, we identified that compound K, an unnatural ginsenoside analog, also increased the sensitivity of antibiotics to MRSA, similar to Rg3. By contrast, neither Rg3 nor compound K increased the sensitivity of fosfomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin to MRSA, suggesting that these act selectively. In the present study, the natural compound Rg3 and its structural isomer, compound K, are potentially new antibiotic adjuvants against MRSA. Currently, multiple antibiotics are used to treat MRSA, but the use of these adjuvants is expected to enable the treatment of MRSA with a single antibiotic and low concentrations of antibiotics.

Biological Activities of Virgin Coconut and Virgin Olive Oil Mixture against Oral Primary Colonizers: An In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to explore the potential synergistic interaction of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and virgin olive oil (VOO) mixture against Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus casei in a single and mixture species through the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), antiadherence, and antibiofilm activities. The broth microdilution technique was used to individually determine the MIC of both oils and an oil mixture (in the ratio of 1:1) in a 96-well microtiter plate. As for the MBC, the subcultured method was used. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) was determined to identify the interaction types between both oils. The oil mixture at its MIC was then tested on its antibiofilm and antiadherence effect. The MIC of the oil mixture against the tested microbiota was 50-100%. The oil mixture was bactericidal at 100% concentration for all the mentioned microbes except S. mutans. The ΣFIC value was 2 to 4, indicating that the VCO and VOO acted additively against the microbiota. Meanwhile, the oil mixture at MIC (50% for S. sanguinis and L. casei; 100% for S. mutans and mixture species) exhibited antiadherence and antibiofilm activity toward the microbiota in mixture species. The oil mixture possesses antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antiadherence properties toward the tested microbiota, mainly at 50-100% concentration of oil mixture. There was no synergistic interaction found between VCO and VOO. Children and individuals with special care may benefit from using the oil mixture, primarily to regulate the biofilm formation and colonization of the bacteria. Furthermore, the oil mixture is natural and nontoxic compared to chemical-based oral healthcare products. How to cite this article: Ng YM, Sockalingam SNMP, Shafiei Z, et al. Biological Activities of Virgin Coconut and Virgin Olive Oil Mixture against Oral Primary Colonizers: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(3):260-266.

Glucose-Binding Dioclea bicolor Lectin (DBL): Purification, Characterization, Structural Analysis, and Antibacterial Properties.

In this study, we purified a lectin isolated from the seeds of Dioclea bicolor (DBL) via affinity purification. Electrophoresis analysis revealed that DBL had three bands, α, β, and γ chains, with molecular masses of approximately 29, 14, and 12kDa, respectively. Gel filtration chromatography revealed that the native form of DBL had a molecular mass of approximately 100kDa, indicating that it is a tetramer. Interestingly, DBL-induced hemagglutination was inhibited by several glucosides, mannosides, ampicillin, and tetracycline with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 1.56-50mM. Analysis of the complete amino acid sequence of DBL revealed the presence of 237 amino acids with high similarity to other Diocleinae lectins. Circular dichroism showed the prominent β-sheet secondary structure of DBL. Furthermore, DBL structure prediction revealed a Discrete Optimized Protein Energy (DOPE) score of -26,642.69141/Normalized DOPE score of -1.84041. The DBL monomer was found to consist a β-sandwich based on its 3D structure. Molecular docking showed the interactions between DBL and α-D-glucose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, α-D-mannose, α-methyl-D-mannoside, ampicillin, and tetracycline. In addition, DBL showed antimicrobial activity with an MIC of 125μg/mL and exerted synergistic effects in combination with ampicillin and tetracycline (fractional inhibitory concentration index ≤ 0.5). Additionally, DBL significantly inhibited biofilm formation and showed no toxicity in murine fibroblasts (p < 0.05). These results suggest that DBL exhibits antimicrobial activity and works synergistically with antibiotics.

Antifungal activity, synergistic effect and mode of action of Caraway (Carum carvi L.) essential oil and carvone against Aspergillus fumigatus

IntroductionCurrently available antifungal therapies often have limitations such as toxicity and the development of resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity and mode of action of Caraway (Carum carvi L.) essential oil (EO) and its constituent carvone against A. fumigatus, a fungal pathogen responsible for invasive aspergillosis. MethodsCaraway EO was obtained by hydrodistillation, and its antifungal activity was assessed by the broth microdilution method according to the CLSI protocol. The ergosterol content of fungal mycelia was measured using a spectrophotometric method. The mode of action of Caraway EO was assessed by electron microscopy. The interaction between Caraway EO and two known antifungals, itraconazole and caspofungin, was evaluated by determining the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). ResultsAt twofold dilutions ranging from 3.12 to 400 µg/mL, Caraway EO inhibited A. fumigatus growth by 10.27–100 %, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 200 µg/mL, while carvone inhibited fungal growth by 7.31–67.58 %, with an MIC of 400 µg/mL. The IC50 values of the Caraway EO and carvone were 56.09 and 47.68 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the Caraway EO was reported to be 400 μg/mL. Both Caraway EO and carvone significantly inhibited ergosterol biosynthesis in A. fumigatus. Caraway EO showed synergistic antifungal activity in combination with itraconazole (FICI=0.38) and additive antifungal activity (FICI=0.75) in combination with caspofungin. ConclusionCaraway EO and its constituent carvone showed strong antifungal activity against A. fumigatus by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis and destroying essential compartments of fungal mycelia, such as mitochondria. In addition, the combination of carvone with itraconazole or caspofungin had synergistic/additive effects, suggesting potential therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of A. fumigatus-related infections.

Interaction of beauvericin in combination with antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium

Multidrug resistance in bacteria is a major challenge worldwide, increasing both mortality by infections and costs for the health systems. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to find new drugs against resistant bacteria. Beauvericin (BEA) is a mycotoxin produced by entomopathogenic and other fungi of the genus Fusarium. Our work determines the effect of BEA combined with antibiotics, which has not been previously explored. The combination analysis included different antibiotics against non-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (NT-MRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Salmonella typhimurium. BEA showed a synergy effect with oxacillin with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) = 0.373 and an additive effect in combination with lincomycin (FICI = 0.507) against MRSA. In contrast, it was an antagonist when combined with ciprofloxacin against S. typhimurium. We propose BEA as a molecule with the potential for the development of new therapies in combination with current antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Promising effects of 1,8 Cineole to control Giardia lamblia infection: Targeting the inflammation, oxidative stress, and infectivity

Reportedly, synthetic drugs such as metronidazole, furazolidone, tinidazole, and quinacrine are used for the treatment of giardiasis but are associated with adverse effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of eucalyptol (ECT, 1,8 cineole) alone and in combination with metronidazole (MNZ) on Giardia lamblia. The effects of ECT on cell viability, plasma membrane permeability, and gene expression levels of adenylate cyclase (AK) and extracellular signal kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1 and ERK2) in trophozoites of G. lamblia were assessed. In vivo, the effects of ECT alone and in combination with MNZ were assessed on mice infected with G. lamblia. In addition, the gene expression of inflammatory genes (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) and antioxidant genes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2)) was determined by real-time PCR. The IC50 values of ECT, MNZ, and ECT+MNZ on trophozoites were 30.2 µg/mL, 21.6 µg/mL, and 8.5 µg/mL, respectively. The estimated Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values for ECT and MNZ were 0.28 and 0.39, respectively. The application of ECT on G. lamblia trophozoites resulted in a dose-dependent increase in plasma membrane permeability, particularly at concentrations of ½ IC50 and IC50 (P < 0.05). The treatment of infected mice with various doses of ECT, mainly in combination with MNZ for 7 days, resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the average number and viability of cysts. ECT, especially when combined with MNZ, caused a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 genes, and an increase (P < 0.05) in the expression of IL-10 genes. ECT alone and mainly in combination with MNZ leads to a significant (P < 0.001) increase in the gene expression of CAT, SOD, and GPX genes. These findings demonstrate that the use of ECT in these doses, even for 14 days, does not have any toxic effects on the function of vital liver and kidney tissues. The study findings confirmed the promising effects of ECT against G. lamblia infection both in vitro and in vivo. Considering the possible mechanisms, ECT increases plasma membrane permeability and reduces the expression levels of infectivity-related genes. In addition, ECT suppresses inflammation and oxidative stress, controlling giardiasis in mice. More studies are needed to clarify these findings.

Synergistic Potential Sof Cinnamon Extracts, Antibiotics, and Alum on Selected Clinical Microbes

Antibiotics are natural or synthetic substances used to inhibit or kill susceptible microorganisms. Due to the increase rate of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there is the need to venture in other methods involving the coalescence effect of antibiotics and other substances such as cinnamon and alum to effectively eradicate these pathogenic organisms using less concentrated conventional antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the selected antimicrobial agents were determined using the broth dilution method, following standards and procedures set by the national council of clinical laboratory standards (NCCLS). The synergistic potentials of all the antimicrobics used were analyzed by the checkerboard assay. The MIC values of 25, 0.25, 0.75,25mg/ml were obtained for cinnamon extracts, gentamicin, penicillin G, and aq. Alum respectively against S. aureus. For E. coli O157H:H7, the MIC values of cinnamon extracts, gentamicin, penicillin G, and aq. Alum were 12.5, 0.25, 0.75 and 25mg/ml respectively,s while the MIC values of cinnamon extracts alum and fluconazole for C. albicans were 12.5, 25 and 0.05mg/ml respectively. There is a reduction in the MIC values for the various combinations against the same clinical microbes. All the antimicrobics used in this study inhibited the growth of the clinical microbes. All the microbes used in this study inhibited the tested microbes in dose dependent manner. The combinations of these agents resulted in reduction in MIC and MBC values, with an additive, indifference, and antagonistic effects using checkerboard assay which resulted to a fractional inhibitory concentration index which ranged from 0.56 to 7.9. Therefore, application of cinnamon, alum, and their combinations with conventional antibiotics can be used as treatment measure against infections caused by S. aureus, E. coli O157H:H7, and C. albicans.

Discovery of Antifungal Norsesquiterpenoids from a Soil-Derived Streptomyces microflavus: Targeting Biofilm Formation and Synergistic Combination with Amphotericin B against Yeast-like Fungi.

Thirty-five norsesquiterpenoids were isolated from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces microflavus from the forest soil of Ailaoshan in China. The structures of new compounds (1-5, 10-26) were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis including data from experimental and calculated ECD spectra, as well as Mosher's reagent derivatives method. Norsesquiterpenoids showed different levels of antifungal activity with MIC80 values ranging from 25 to 200 μg/mL against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The combining isolated norsesquiterpenoids with amphotericin B resulted in a synergistic interaction against test yeast-like fungi with a fractional inhibitory concentration index < 0.5. Compound 33 significantly inhibited biofilm formation and destroyed the preformed biofilm of fungi. Moreover, 33 downregulated the expression of adhesion-related genes HWP1, ALS1, ALS3, ECE1, EAP1, and BCR1 to inhibit the adhesion of C. albicans. Findings from the current study highlight the potential usage of norsesquiterpenoids from soil-derived Streptomyces for antifungal leads discovery.

Phytolacca tetramera berries extracts and its main constituents as potentiators of antifungal drugs against Candida spp.

BackgroundExtensive antifungal drug use has enhanced fungal resistance, resulting in persistent mycoses. Combining antifungal plant extracts/compounds with these drugs offers good alternatives to increase the activity of both partners, minimize side effects, and overcome drug resistance. In our previous study, Phytolacca tetramera berries extracts demonstrated activity against Candida spp., correlating with the amount of the main constituent phytolaccoside B and its genin, phytolaccagenin. The extracts and phytolaccagenin altered the fungal plasma membrane by binding to ergosterol, whereas phytolaccoside B increased chitin synthase activity. However, the presence of triterpenoid saponins in Phytolacca spp. has been linked to acute toxicity in humans. PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate combinations of P. tetramera berries extracts, phytolaccoside B and phytolaccagenin, together with commercial antifungals [amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin] against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, to find synergistic effects with multi-target actions, in which the doses of both partners are reduced, and therefore their toxicity. Additionally, we intended to explore their anti-virulence capacity, thereby hindering the development of drug-resistant strains. MethodsThe effects of these combinations were evaluated using both the checkerboard and isobologram methods. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index and Dose Reduction Index were calculated to interpret the combination results. To confirm the multi-target effect, studies on mechanisms of action of synergistic mixtures were performed using ergosterol-binding and quantification assays. The ability to inhibit Candida virulence factors, including biofilm formation and eradication from inert surfaces, was also evaluated. Quantification of active markers was performed using a validated UHPLC-ESI-MS method. ResultsEight synergistic combinations of P. tetramera extracts or phytolaccagenin (but not phytolaccoside B) with itraconazole or posaconazole were obtained against C. albicans, including a resistant strain. These mixtures acted by binding to ergosterol, decreasing its whole content, and inhibiting Candida biofilm formation in 96-well microplates and feeding tubes in vitro, but were unable to eradicate preformed biofilms. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the synergistic and anti-virulence effects of P. tetramera berries extracts and phytolaccagenin with antifungal drugs against Candida spp., providing novel treatment avenues for fungal infections with reduced doses of both natural products and commercial antifungals, thereby mitigating potential human toxicity concerns.

Efficacy of a Novel Antibiotic Drug Combination Toward Multidrug-Resistant Ocular Pathogens.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat, compounded by the reduction in the discovery of new antibiotics. A repurposed drugs-based approach could provide a viable alternative for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. In this study, we sought to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of a novel drug combination, polymyxin B/trimethoprim (PT) + rifampin on MDR isolates from patients with bacterial keratitis in India. Forty-three isolates, which included 20 Staphylococcus aureus , 19 Pseudomonas aeruginosa , 3 Pseudomonas stutzeri , and 1 Acinetobacter baumannii , were evaluated for their antibiotic resistance by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) testing was performed to measure the antimicrobial impact of PT + rifampin in combination. Among S. aureus isolates, 100% were resistant to at least 1 antibiotic class, 12 (60%) were MDR, and 14 (70%) were classified as methicillin-resistant. Among the gram-negative isolates, >90% were classified as MDR. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) testing revealed that PT + rifampin was effective in completely inhibiting growth of all isolates while also displaying additive or synergistic activity in approximately 70% of the strains. Mean FICI values were 0.753 ± 0.311 and 0.791 ± 0.369 for S. aureus and gram-negative isolates, respectively, and a >2-fold reduction in MIC was measured for both PT and rifampin when tested in combination versus alone. Our data demonstrate the ability of PT + rifampin to eliminate all isolates tested, even those conferring MDR, highlighting the promise of this drug combination for the treatment of bacterial keratitis.

Application of cuminaldehyde and ciprofloxacin for the effective control of biofilm assembly of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A combinatorial study

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is widely associated with biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistant chronic and acute infections which constitute a persistent healthcare challenges. Addressing this threat requires exploration of novel therapeutic strategies involving the combination of natural compounds and conventional antibiotics. Hence, our study has focused on two compounds; cuminaldehyde and ciprofloxacin, which were strategically combined to target the biofilm challenge of P. aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cuminaldehyde and ciprofloxacin was found to be 400 μg/mL and 0.4 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI = 0.62) indicated an additive interaction prevailed between cuminaldehyde and ciprofloxacin. Subsequently, sub-MIC doses of cuminaldehyde (25 μg/mL) and ciprofloxacin (0.05 μg/mL) were selected for an array of antibiofilm assays which confirmed their biofilm inhibitory potential without exhibiting any antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, selected doses of the mentioned compounds could manage biofilm on catheter surface by inhibiting and disintegrating existing biofilm. Additionally, the test combination of the mentioned compounds reduced virulence factors secretion, accumulated reactive oxygen species and increased cell-membrane permeability. Thus, the combination of cuminaldehyde and ciprofloxacin demonstrates potential in combating biofilm-associated Pseudomonal threats.

Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Curcuma domestica Val. Extract with Tetracycline Against Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are on the rise globally. MDR is facilitated by overexpression of efflux pump and permeability changes of membrane. Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogenic germ that causes a major problem in infection, also, there has been an increase in the incidence of resistance to various antibiotics. The present study highlights the synergistic of ethanolic extract of Curcuma domestica (EECD) rhizome with tetracycline against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (MDR-Ab). Assessment of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution using 96-well plates. The synergistic effect of EECD and tetracycline was determined by checkerboard method. The effect of EECD and tetracycline combination was investigated by bacteriolytic activity and inhibition of efflux pump by Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) accumulation assay. EECD presented the MIC value 250 µg/mL against MDR-Ab. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) value of EECD and tetracycline combination was 0.4, which showed their synergistic effect. Additionally, the combination of EECD and tetracycline could inhibit the efflux pump in MDR-Ab. This combination can also compromise cell integrity by altering membrane permeability thus lysing the bacteria cells. According to these results, EECD and tetracycline combination has synergistic effects at some sites of action, and thus could be used as a breakthrough to overcome infection problems due to MDR-Ab.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, antibacterial, Curcuma domestica, multidrug-resistant, tetracycline

Assessing silver nanoparticle and antimicrobial combinations for antibacterial activity and biofilm prevention on surgical sutures.

To evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles alone and in combination with Triclosan, and trans-cinnamaldehyde against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli biofilms on sutures to improve patients' outcomes. Silver nanoparticles were prepared by chemical method and characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometer and dynamic light scattering. The minimum inhibitory concentration was assessed by the Microdilution assay. The antibiofilm activity was determined using crystal violet assay. A checkerboard assay using the fractional inhibitory concentration index and time-kill curve was used to investigate the synergistic effect of silver nanoparticle combinations. The hemolytic activity was determined using an erythrocyte hemolytic assay. Our results revealed that silver nanoparticles, Triclosan, and trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA) inhibited S.aureus and E.coli biofilms. Silver nanoparticles with TCA showed a synergistic effect (FICI values 0.35 and 0.45 against S. aureus and E. coli biofilms, respectively), and silver nanoparticles with Triclosan showed complete inhibition of S. aureus biofilm. The hemolytic activity was<2.50% for the combinations.