Identification of a Drug Candidate against Mycobacterium avium Using Pandemic Response Box

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a widespread environmental bacterium.
• MAC is the most common cause of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Extrapulmonary MAC infections, including skin manifestations, are increasing, with suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel therapeutic agents against Mycobacterium avium.
• To evaluate the efficacy of identified compounds against M. avium infections in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• In vitro dual-screening using the Pandemic Response Box against M. avium 104.
• Further evaluation of chlorhexidine (CHX) in vitro and in a zebrafish model of M. avium infection.

Main Results:

• Alexidine (AX) was identified as a promising therapeutic candidate.
• Chlorhexidine (CHX) demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against M. avium growth in vitro.
• CHX showed efficacy in a zebrafish model of M. avium infection and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a potential therapeutic candidate for treating Mycobacterium avium skin infections.
• Further research into CHX for NTM infections is warranted.