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[The in-vitro effect of the leukocytic cationic protein preparation Intercide on Escherichia coli]

O V Bukharin1, V A Gritsenko

  • 1Research Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Urals Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg.

Insights

Human leukocyte cationic protein Intercide shows antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli. However, some strains exhibit resistance, and high concentrations can paradoxically stimulate E. coli growth, particularly pathogenic strains.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Intercide is a cationic protein derived from human leukocytes.
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli) encompasses various strains, including pathogenic variants causing extraintestinal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity of Intercide against different E. coli strains.
  • To determine the effect of Intercide concentration on E. coli growth and survival.
  • To explore factors influencing E. coli susceptibility or resistance to Intercide.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro testing of Intercide at concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 mg/ml.
  • Exposure of bacterial suspensions and broth cultures of E. coli M17, K12, and 120 clinical isolates.
  • Analysis of bacterial growth and viability post-treatment with Intercide.

Main Results:

  • Intercide demonstrated antibacterial action against both stationary and growing E. coli cells.
  • Variable resistance to Intercide's lethal effects was observed among E. coli strains.
  • A novel finding revealed that Intercide at 1.8 mg/ml could stimulate biomass growth in certain E. coli strains.
  • Stimulatory effects were more pronounced in extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli with high anti-Intercide and antilysozyme activities.

Conclusions:

  • Intercide exhibits concentration-dependent effects on E. coli, including both bactericidal and growth-promoting activities.
  • E. coli strain characteristics, such as resistance mechanisms and pathogenic potential, influence response to Intercide.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the dual role of Intercide and its implications in host-pathogen interactions.

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