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Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in experimental subcutaneous and pulmonary infections due to Pseudomonas
C Luongo1, F Imperatore, M G Matera
1Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2nd University of Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
About 80% of nosocomial infections are caused by aerobic bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Pseudomonadaceae family; P. aeruginosa is responsible for 6-22% of all hospital infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy (2 atm abs x 55 min.day-1) alone for 8 days and combined with antibiotic chemotherapy (amikacin 15 mg.kg-1.day-1 for 8 days by intraperitoneal route) in rats infected subcutaneously and via the pulmonary route. In the rats infected by P. aeruginosa, HBO2 induced a reduction in mortality and morbidity with bacteria eradication in blood culture, bronchial aspirate, and skin biopsies when compared to control. These effects were increased by the use of amikacin, an antibiotic used for the treatment of sensitive Gram-negative bacteria.
Insights
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) reduced mortality and bacterial load in rats infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Combining HBO2 with amikacin further enhanced these beneficial effects against this common hospital pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Nosocomial infections are frequently caused by aerobic bacteria, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being a significant Gram-negative pathogen responsible for 6-22% of hospital-acquired infections.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections pose a substantial challenge in healthcare settings due to their prevalence and potential severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy as a standalone treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in a rat model.
- To assess the synergistic effect of combining HBO2 therapy with amikacin antibiotic chemotherapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
Main Methods:
- Rats were infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa via subcutaneous and pulmonary routes.
- Treatment groups received either HBO2 therapy (2 atm abs x 55 min/day for 8 days) alone or in combination with amikacin (15 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 8 days).
- Outcomes measured included mortality, morbidity, and bacterial eradication from blood cultures, bronchial aspirates, and skin biopsies.
Main Results:
- HBO2 therapy alone significantly reduced mortality and morbidity in infected rats compared to controls.
- Bacterial eradication was observed in blood cultures, bronchial aspirates, and skin biopsies following HBO2 treatment.
- The combination of HBO2 therapy and amikacin demonstrated enhanced efficacy, further improving outcomes and bacterial clearance.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective treatment modality for reducing the severity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
- The combination of HBO2 therapy with amikacin offers a potentiated therapeutic approach for managing Gram-negative bacterial infections like those caused by P. aeruginosa.