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The Antibacterial Mechanism of Terpinen-4-ol Against Streptococcus agalactiae

Yuetian Zhang1, Ruizhang Feng2, Lixia Li1

  • 1Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.

Current Microbiology
|May 28, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Terpinen-4-ol shows potential as a natural antimicrobial agent against Streptococcus agalactiae. This study investigated its antibacterial activity, finding it damages bacterial cell walls and membranes, offering a sustainable alternative to antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Streptococcus agalactiae causes significant economic losses due to bovine mastitis.
  • Conventional antibiotic use leads to drug resistance and residues, necessitating sustainable alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antibacterial activity and mechanism of terpinen-4-ol against Streptococcus agalactiae.
  • To explore terpinen-4-ol as a potential therapeutic agent for mastitis.

Main Methods:

  • Determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC).
  • Time-kill curve analysis to assess concentration-dependent activity.
  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize cellular damage.
  • Measurement of Ca2+, Mg2+, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release.
  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and DAPI staining to assess protein and DNA synthesis impact.

Main Results:

  • Terpinen-4-ol exhibited MIC and MBC values of 98 µg/mL and 196 µg/mL, respectively.
  • Antibacterial activity was concentration-dependent, damaging bacterial cell membranes and walls.
  • Increased cell membrane permeability and cell wall destruction were observed.
  • Terpinen-4-ol interfered with protein and DNA synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • Terpinen-4-ol demonstrates significant antibacterial effects against Streptococcus agalactiae.
  • Its mechanism involves disruption of cell membrane and wall integrity and inhibition of essential synthesis pathways.
  • Terpinen-4-ol presents a promising candidate for developing novel treatments for S. agalactiae infections.

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