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Predatory bacteria can protect SKH-1 mice from a lethal plague challenge
James S Findlay1, Helen C Flick-Smith1, Emma Keyser1
1CBR Division, Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JQ, UK.
Scientific Reports
|May 12, 2019
Summary
Predatory bacteria, Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, protected mice against the pathogen Yersinia pestis. This novel approach shows promise for treating bacterial infections, though host factors influence effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Predatory bacteria, like Bdellovibrio species, offer a potential alternative for combating bacterial infections.
- Bdellovibrio species are known to prey on Gram-negative bacteria, including dangerous pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo efficacy of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus as a therapeutic agent against Yersinia pestis.
- To determine if predatory bacteria can provide protection against a lethal systemic pathogen challenge in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of SKH-1 mice with Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100.
- Lethal challenge with Yersinia pestis CO92 in treated and control mice.
- Comparative analysis of protective effects in different mouse strains (SKH-1 and Balb/c).
Main Results:
- Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 treatment conferred significant protection against Yersinia pestis CO92 in SKH-1 mice.
- This study represents the first report of protection via bacterial predation in vivo against a systemic pathogen.
- The protective effect was not observed in Balb/c mice, suggesting host-dependent mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Predatory bacteria demonstrate potential as a therapeutic modality for bacterial infections.
- The efficacy of predatory bacteria is complex and likely influenced by host immune status and genetics.
- Further research is needed to elucidate predator-host interactions for therapeutic development.
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