P-27/HP endolysin as antibacterial agent for antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus of human infections

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus infections are difficult to treat due to high virulence and antibiotic resistance.
• Antibiotic therapy for S. aureus infections can cause side effects.
• Phage-encoded endolysins are a potential alternative therapy with specific bacterial targeting and minimal side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To purify and characterize a novel broad-spectrum anti-staphylococcal endolysin (P-27/HP endolysin).
• To evaluate the efficacy of P-27/HP endolysin in controlling Staphylococcus aureus infections in a mouse model.

Main Methods:

• Purification of P-27/HP endolysin from phage P-27/HP.
• Analysis of endolysin purity and molecular weight using SDS-PAGE.
• Determination of optimal in vitro lytic activity conditions (temperature and pH).
• In vivo efficacy study in a mouse model of S. aureus bacteremia.

Main Results:

• Purified P-27/HP endolysin consists of three polypeptides (33.5, 48.6, and 62.2 kDa).
• Optimal lytic activity was observed at 35–40°C and pH 7.0.
• In vivo treatment resulted in 99.9% elimination of S. aureus from mouse spleens and survival from bacteremia.

Conclusions:

• P-27/HP endolysin is a potent anti-staphylococcal agent.
• This endolysin demonstrates significant efficacy in clearing S. aureus infections in vivo.
• P-27/HP endolysin presents a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for managing S. aureus infections.