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The effect of mafenide on dihydropteroate synthase
1Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
Abstract:
Using intact bacterial cells, it was found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more susceptible to mafenide than Escherichia coli, that p-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) did not reverse or prevent inhibition by mafenide and that pABA itself was inhibitory. Under the experimental conditions used in these studies, pABA was more inhibitory to E. coli than to P. aeruginosa. It is proposed that pABA could be of use in the topical treatment of burn wounds. At the enzyme level, it was shown that mafenide did not inhibit dihydropteroate synthase. Thus, mafenide appeared not to exert its inhibitory effects in the same manner as the structurally related sulphonamides.
Insights
Mafenide inhibits bacterial growth, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being more susceptible than Escherichia coli. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) also inhibits bacteria and may be useful for topical burn wound treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Bacterial Physiology
Background:
- Mafenide is an antimicrobial agent.
- The mechanism of action for mafenide is not fully understood.
- Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is structurally related to sulfonamides and is known to interfere with bacterial folate synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli to mafenide.
- To determine the effect of PABA on mafenide's antimicrobial activity.
- To explore the potential of PABA in topical burn wound treatment.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted using intact bacterial cells.
- Enzyme assays were performed to assess mafenide's effect on dihydropteroate synthase.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited greater susceptibility to mafenide compared to Escherichia coli.
- Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) did not reverse or prevent mafenide's inhibitory effects.
- PABA itself demonstrated inhibitory activity against both bacterial species, with greater effect on E. coli.
- Mafenide was found not to inhibit dihydropteroate synthase.
Conclusions:
- Mafenide's mechanism of action differs from that of structurally related sulfonamides.
- PABA possesses inherent antimicrobial properties and warrants investigation for topical burn wound therapy.