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Published on: August 19, 2021
Phage endolysins with broad antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis clinical strains
Daniela Proença1, Sofia Fernandes, Clara Leandro
1Technophage, SA, Lisboa, Portugal.
Two novel bacteriophage endolysins, Lys168 and Lys170, show significant lytic activity against Enterococcus faecalis, including vancomycin-resistant strains. These findings highlight their potential as alternative antibacterial agents against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Bacteriophage endolysins are promising alternatives due to their lytic activity against bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify, characterize, and evaluate the antibacterial potential of two endolysins, Lys168 and Lys170, from Enterococcus faecalis phages.
- To assess their efficacy against clinical isolates of E. faecalis, including vancomycin-resistant strains.
Main Methods:
- Identification and characterization of endolysins Lys168 and Lys170.
- Analysis of protein families (CHAP and amidase-2) and domain structures.
- Testing lytic activity against a diverse panel of E. faecalis clinical isolates and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).
Main Results:
- Lys168 and Lys170 demonstrated potent lytic activity against E. faecalis.
- Lys168 lysed over 70% of tested isolates, while Lys170 lysed over 90%.
- Lys170 was effective against all tested E. faecalis VRE strains.
Conclusions:
- Lys168 and Lys170 exhibit significant antibacterial potential against E. faecalis.
- Their specificity and efficacy, particularly Lys170 against VRE, suggest promise for combating antibiotic resistance.
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