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Updated: Nov 5, 2025
08:03
In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
Published on: June 23, 2020
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Bacillus subtilis revives conventional antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis
Fan Zhang1,2, Bowei Wang1, Shiluan Liu1,2
1Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838 North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
Microbial Cell Factories
|May 18, 2021
Summary
Bacillus subtilis cell-free supernatant combats Staphylococcus aureus by killing bacteria and enhancing antibiotic susceptibility. This discovery offers a new strategy against antibiotic-tolerant infections like osteomyelitis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antibiotic Resistance
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis treatment is challenged by antibiotic tolerance.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to overcome resistance.
- Bacillus subtilis offers potential antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibacterial activity of Bacillus subtilis cell-free supernatant (CFS) against Staphylococcus aureus.
- To determine if B. subtilis CFS can enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics.
- To explore the mechanisms by which B. subtilis CFS affects S. aureus.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of planktonic and biofilm S. aureus with B. subtilis CFS.
- Gene expression analysis of S. aureus exposed to B. subtilis CFS.
- Assessment of S. aureus membrane integrity and permeability.
- Evaluation of B. subtilis CFS in a mouse model of implant-associated osteomyelitis.
Main Results:
- B. subtilis CFS demonstrated bactericidal activity against both planktonic and biofilm S. aureus.
- CFS increased S. aureus susceptibility to penicillin and gentamicin.
- B. subtilis CFS downregulated key virulence and biofilm formation genes in S. aureus.
- CFS altered S. aureus membrane composition and increased permeability.
- In vivo studies showed reduced bacterial burden in a mouse osteomyelitis model.
Conclusions:
- B. subtilis CFS exhibits significant antibacterial effects against S. aureus.
- CFS acts as a resistance-modifying agent, enhancing antibiotic efficacy.
- B. subtilis CFS presents a promising therapeutic candidate for S. aureus infections, particularly osteomyelitis.
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