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Fucoxanthin Potentiates the Bactericidal Activity of Cefotaxime Against Staphylococcus aureus
Agustina D R Nurcahyanti1, Jullietta Lady2, Michael Wink3
1Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Pluit Raya 2, Jakarta, 14440, Indonesia. adr.nurcahyanti@atmajaya.ac.id.
Abstract:
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus aureus against commonly used antibiotics is a major global health issue. To prevent the emergence of AMR and maintain the desired therapeutic effect, the use of drug combinations in the therapeutic management of infections can be contemplated. This approach allows for the administration of lower antibiotic dosages without compromising the desired therapeutic outcome. Despite the documented antimicrobial activity of fucoxanthin, a widely recognized marine carotenoid, there are a lack of previous reports exploring its potential to enhance the therapeutic effect of antibiotics. The current study aimed to investigate whether fucoxanthin can inhibit S. aureus including the strains resistant to methicillin and to investigate whether fucoxanthin can enhance the therapeutic effect of cefotaxime, a widely prescribed 3rd-generation cephalosporin β-lactam antibiotic known to exhibit resistance in certain cases. Synergism or additive interactions were determined using checkerboard dilution and isobologram analysis, while bactericidal activity was carried out using the time-kill kinetic assay. It is important to highlight that a synergistic bactericidal effect was observed in all strains of S. aureus when fucoxanthin was combined with cefotaxime at a specific concentration ratio. These findings suggest that fucoxanthin holds promise in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of cefotaxime.
Insights
Fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid, shows synergistic bactericidal effects with cefotaxime against Staphylococcus aureus, including resistant strains. This combination may enhance antibiotic therapy and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus aureus is a growing global health concern.
- Drug combinations are explored to manage infections and mitigate AMR.
- Fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid, has known antimicrobial properties but its role in potentiating antibiotics is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fucoxanthin's inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains.
- To investigate if fucoxanthin enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cefotaxime.
- To determine the interaction (synergism or additivity) between fucoxanthin and cefotaxime.
Main Methods:
- Checkerboard dilution and isobologram analysis were used to assess drug interactions.
- Time-kill kinetic assays were performed to evaluate bactericidal activity.
- Standard microbiological techniques were employed to culture and test Staphylococcus aureus strains.
Main Results:
- Fucoxanthin demonstrated inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains.
- A synergistic bactericidal effect was observed when fucoxanthin was combined with cefotaxime against all tested S. aureus strains.
- The synergistic effect was concentration-dependent and specific to the tested ratio.
Conclusions:
- Fucoxanthin shows potential as an adjuvant therapy to enhance the efficacy of cefotaxime against Staphylococcus aureus.
- This marine-derived compound may offer a novel strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical application of fucoxanthin-cefotaxime combinations.
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