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Published on: July 2, 2013
Bacteria-based multiplex system eradicates recurrent infections with drug-resistant bacteria via photothermal killing
1Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
Background:
The high mortality associated with drug-resistant bacterial infections is an intractable clinical problem resulting from the low susceptibility of these bacteria to antibiotics and the high incidence of recurrent infections.
Methods:
Herein, a photosynthetic bacteria-based multiplex system (Rp@Al) composed of natural Rhodopseudomonas palustris (Rp) and Food and Drug Administration-approved aluminum (Al) adjuvant, was developed to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections and prevent their recurrence. We examined its photothermal performance and in vitro and in vivo antibacterial ability; revealed its protective immunomodulatory effect; verified its preventative effect on recurrent infections; and demonstrated the system's safety.
Results:
Rp@Al exhibits excellent photothermal properties with an effective elimination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition, Rp@Al enhances dendritic cell activation and further triggers a T helper 1 (TH1)/TH2 immune response, resulting in pathogen-specific immunological memory against recurrent MRSA infection. Upon second infection, Rp@Al-treated mice show significantly lower bacterial burden, faster abscess recovery, and higher survival under near-lethal infection doses than control mice.
Conclusions:
This innovative multiplex system, with superior photothermal and immunomodulatory effects, presents great potential for the treatment and prevention of drug-resistant bacterial infections.
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