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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
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Illuminating New Frontiers: Exploring the Photosensitizing Potential of Passiflora Species in Combating
Caroline Vieira Gonçalves1, Maria Poliana Leite Galantini1, Igor Pereira Ribeiro Muniz1
1Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Anísio Teixeira Campus - Federal University of Bahia, Rio de Contas Street, 58, Candeias, Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, CEP: 45.029-094, Brazil.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) has become a potential alternative for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial skin infections, such as those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which are at high risk in aging individuals. One of the main components of aPDT is an agent known as a photosensitizer (PS). Some plants with high flavonoid content are reported as PS. In the genus Passiflora, flavonoids are predominant, but their photosensitizing activity has yet to be described. This study investigates the photosensitizing potential of extracts from Passiflora edulis, Passiflora alata, and Passiflora cincinnata. The butanolic fraction of P. cincinnata undergoes in vivo evaluation against intradermal MRSA infection in a senescent murine model (C57BL/6). In vitro assays determine the photoactivatable concentrations and their cytotoxicity. In vivo, MRSA-infected mice are divided into control, P. cincinnata-treated, and aPDT-treated groups. Subsequent assessments include cytokine levels, bacterial load, and cellular infiltrate in the ear. The P. cincinnata-treated group exhibits improved bacterial control, reduced leukocyte infiltration, and less weight loss. The aPDT group demonstrates a unique cytokine correlation profile, featuring more negative correlations among pro-inflammatory cytokines and interleukin-10. P. cincinnata emerges as an effective photosensitizer for aPDT in a senescent model and highlights the potential of underexplored plant-derived photosensitizers.
Insights
Passiflora cincinnata extracts show potential as photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). This plant-based approach effectively combats methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections in aging mice.
Area of Science:
- Plant-derived compounds
- Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT)
- Bacterial infections
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant bacterial skin infections, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pose significant risks, especially in aging populations.
- Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) offers a promising alternative treatment, relying on photosensitizers (PS) to target infections.
- Plants rich in flavonoids, such as those in the Passiflora genus, are potential sources of novel PS, but their activity remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the photosensitizing potential of extracts from Passiflora edulis, Passiflora alata, and Passiflora cincinnata.
- To evaluate the efficacy of Passiflora cincinnata as a photosensitizer for aPDT against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a senescent murine model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays were conducted to determine photoactivatable concentrations and cytotoxicity of Passiflora extracts.
- The butanolic fraction of Passiflora cincinnata was evaluated in vivo against intradermal MRSA infection in senescent C57BL/6 mice.
- Mice were divided into control, P. cincinnata-treated, and aPDT-treated groups, with assessments including cytokine levels, bacterial load, and cellular infiltrate.
Main Results:
- Passiflora cincinnata treatment demonstrated improved bacterial control, reduced leukocyte infiltration, and less weight loss in infected mice.
- The aPDT group exhibited a distinct cytokine correlation profile, with increased negative correlations among pro-inflammatory cytokines and interleukin-10.
- Passiflora cincinnata proved effective as a photosensitizer in the senescent model.
Conclusions:
- Passiflora cincinnata is a viable plant-derived photosensitizer for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT).
- This study highlights the potential of underutilized plant-derived compounds for treating challenging bacterial infections.
- Further research into plant-derived photosensitizers could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for multidrug-resistant infections.
