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Anti-virulent Disruption of Pathogenic Biofilms using Engineered Quorum-quenching Lactonases
Published on: January 1, 2016
Effects of lactoferricin B against keratitis-associated fungal biofilms
Jayangshu Sengupta1, Suman Saha, Archana Khetan
1Priyamvada Birla Aravind Eye Hospital, 10, Loudon Street, Kolkata, 700017, West Bengal, India.
Abstract:
Biofilms are considered as the most important developmental characteristics in ocular infections. Biofilm eradication is a major challenge today to overcome the incidence of drug resistance. This report demonstrates the in vitro ability of biofilm formation on contact lens by three common keratitis-associated fungal pathogens, namely, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium solani, and Candida albicans. Antifungal sensitivity testing performed for both planktonic cells and biofilm revealed the sessile phenotype to be resistant at MIC levels for the planktonic cells and also at higher concentrations. A prototype lens care solution was also found to be partially effective in eradication of the mature biofilm from contact lenses. Lactoferricin B (Lacf, 64 μg/ml), an antimicrobial peptide, exhibited almost no effect on the sessile phenotype. However, the combinatory effect of Lacf with antifungals against planktonic cells and biofilms of three fungal strains that were isolated from keratitis patients exhibited a reduction of antifungal dose more than eightfold. Furthermore, the effect of Lacf in lens care solution against biofilms in which those strains formed was eradicated successfully. These results suggest that lactoferricin B could be a promising candidate for clinical use in improving biofilm susceptibility to antifungals and also as an antibiofilm-antifungal additive in lens care solution.
Insights
Biofilms on contact lenses pose a challenge in treating fungal keratitis. Lactoferricin B combined with antifungals significantly reduced fungal resistance, offering a potential solution for ocular infections.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungal biofilms on contact lenses are a primary cause of ocular infections.
- Drug resistance in fungal biofilms presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Common keratitis pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium solani, and Candida albicans form biofilms on contact lenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of lactoferricin B (Lacf) in combination with antifungals against fungal biofilms.
- To evaluate Lacf's potential as an antibiofilm agent in contact lens care solutions.
Main Methods:
- In vitro biofilm formation by three fungal strains on contact lenses.
- Antifungal sensitivity testing of planktonic cells and biofilms.
- Assessment of a prototype lens care solution and Lacf efficacy.
- Evaluation of the combinatory effect of Lacf with antifungals.
Main Results:
- Fungal biofilms demonstrated resistance to standard antifungal concentrations.
- A prototype lens care solution showed partial biofilm eradication.
- Lactoferricin B alone had minimal effect on mature biofilms.
- Combinational therapy with Lacf reduced antifungal dosage by over eightfold.
- Lacf in lens care solution successfully eradicated biofilms.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferricin B enhances antifungal susceptibility in fungal biofilms.
- Lacf shows promise as an antibiofilm and antifungal additive for contact lens solutions.
- This approach could improve treatment outcomes for fungal keratitis.
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01:29Biofilms
01:15Antifungal Agents