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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Efficacy of Cathelicidin LL-37 in an MRSA Wound Infection Mouse Model
Oriana Simonetti1, Oscar Cirioni2, Gaia Goteri3
1Clinic of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
Background:
LL-37 is the only human antimicrobial peptide that belongs to the cathelicidins. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of LL-37 in the management of MRSA-infected surgical wounds in mice.
Methods:
A wound on the back of adult male BALB/c mice was made and inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus. Two control groups were formed (uninfected and not treated, C0; infected and not treated, C1) and six contaminated groups were treated, respectively, with: teicoplanin, LL-37, given topically and /or systemically. Histological examination of VEGF expression and micro-vessel density, and bacterial cultures of wound tissues, were performed.
Results:
Histological examination of wounds in the group treated with topical and intraperitoneal LL-37 showed increased re-epithelialization, formation of the granulation tissue, collagen organization, and angiogenesis.
Conclusions:
Based on the mode of action, LL-37 has a potential future role in the management of infected wounds.
