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Combined antibacterial activity of phage lytic proteins holin and lysin from Streptococcus suis bacteriophage SMP

Yibo Shi1, Ning Li, Yaxian Yan

  • 1Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Current Microbiology
|April 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Novel antibacterial agents are crucial for combating multidrug-resistant Streptococcus suis. Researchers explored holin (HolSMP) and lysin (LySMP) from a S. suis bacteriophage, finding their combined use a promising strategy against resistant bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Antimicrobial Research

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant Streptococcus suis poses a significant threat to public health.
  • Novel antibacterial strategies are urgently needed to overcome antimicrobial resistance.
  • Bacteriophage-derived proteins, holins and lysins, show potential as antimicrobial agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antibacterial activity of holin (HolSMP) and lysin (LySMP) from Streptococcus suis serotype 2 bacteriophage SMP.
  • To evaluate the potential of these proteins, individually and in combination, as novel antibacterial agents.
  • To explore their efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.

Main Methods:

  • HolSMP and LySMP were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3).
  • Antibacterial activity was assessed at optimal conditions (37°C, pH 5.2, 0.8% β-mercaptoethanol).
  • Lytic spectra of purified HolSMP, LySMP, and their mixture were determined against various bacterial species.

Main Results:

  • Both HolSMP and LySMP demonstrated efficient lytic activity under tested conditions.
  • HolSMP showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, which were resistant to LySMP.
  • The combination of HolSMP and LySMP broadened the lytic spectrum, enhancing overall antibacterial efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • HolSMP and LySMP are effective antibacterial agents derived from S. suis bacteriophage SMP.
  • HolSMP exhibits a distinct lytic spectrum and can enhance the activity of LySMP.
  • The combined use of holin and lysin presents a viable strategy for developing novel treatments against drug-resistant bacteria.

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