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Antimicrobial effect of auranofin against Acanthamoeba spp
Alvie Loufouma Mbouaka1, David Leitsch1, Martina Koehsler1
1Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Acanthamoebae are opportunistic pathogens that cause serious infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a sight-threatening disease affecting mainly contact lens wearers, and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, an infection of the central nervous system that occurs mostly in immunocompromised individuals. Although these infections are rare, they are a challenge for healthcare providers. In the last decade, the search for and implementation of novel treatment approaches against these parasites and the infections they cause have intensified, but current options are still unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro activity of the gold-based compound auranofin against Acanthamoeba spp. The study showed that auranofin has potent antimicrobial activity against Acanthamoeba spp., with an IC50 ranging from 2.9 to 3.48 µM, and thus may be useful in the prevention and control of Acanthamoeba infections.
Insights
Auranofin demonstrates potent antimicrobial activity against Acanthamoeba species. This gold-based compound shows promise for preventing and treating serious Acanthamoeba infections like keratitis and encephalitis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba are opportunistic pathogens causing severe infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis.
- Current treatment options for Acanthamoeba infections are limited and unsatisfactory.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to combat these challenging parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the gold-based compound auranofin against Acanthamoeba species.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of auranofin's antimicrobial activity.
- Determination of the inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) values for auranofin against Acanthamoeba spp.
Main Results:
- Auranofin exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Acanthamoeba species.
- The IC50 values ranged from 2.9 to 3.48 µM, indicating significant efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Auranofin possesses significant in vitro activity against Acanthamoeba.
- Auranofin may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and control of Acanthamoeba infections.
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