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Published on: January 1, 2016
Farnesol repurposing for prevention and treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms
Li Tan1, Rong Ma1, Adam J Katz1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
Abstract:
Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a multidrug-resistant (MDR) superbug by causing severe infections, with high mortality rates. The ability of A. baumannii to form biofilms significantly contributes to its persistence in diverse environmental and hospital settings. Here we report that farnesol, an FDA-approved commercial cosmetic and flavoring agent, demonstrates efficacy for both inhibition of biofilm formation, and disruption of established A. baumannii biofilms. Moreover, no resistance to farnesol was observed even after prolonged culture in the presence of sub-inhibitory farnesol doses. Farnesol combats A. baumannii biofilms by direct killing, while also facilitating biofilm detachment. Furthermore, farnesol was safe, and effective, for both prevention and treatment of A. baumannii biofilms in an ex vivo burned human skin model. Since current treatment options for A. baumannii biofilm infections were mainly counted on the combination therapy of last-resort antibiotics, and clearly non-sustainable due to robust MDR phenotype of A. baumannii, we propose that farnesol alone can be repurposed as a highly effective agent for both preventing and treating life-threating biofilm-associated infections of A. baumannii due to its proven safety, convenient topical delivery, and excellent efficiency, plus its superiority of evading resistance development.
Insights
Farnesol effectively prevents and treats Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms, a dangerous superbug. This FDA-approved agent offers a safe, resistance-evading alternative to antibiotics for biofilm infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Repurposing
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) superbug causing severe infections with high mortality.
- Biofilm formation by A. baumannii enhances its persistence in various environments, complicating treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate farnesol, an FDA-approved agent, for its efficacy against Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms.
- To assess farnesol's potential for preventing and treating A. baumannii biofilm infections.
Main Methods:
- Testing farnesol's ability to inhibit and disrupt established A. baumannii biofilms.
- Assessing resistance development to farnesol after prolonged exposure.
- Evaluating farnesol's safety and efficacy in an ex vivo burned human skin model.
Main Results:
- Farnesol effectively inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted established A. baumannii biofilms.
- No resistance to farnesol was observed, even after prolonged exposure to sub-inhibitory doses.
- Farnesol demonstrated safety and efficacy in preventing and treating A. baumannii biofilms on burned human skin.
Conclusions:
- Farnesol can be repurposed as a safe and effective agent for preventing and treating A. baumannii biofilm infections.
- Farnesol's ability to evade resistance development makes it a superior alternative to current antibiotic therapies.
- Topical delivery of farnesol offers a convenient and efficient strategy against life-threatening A. baumannii biofilm infections.
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