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[Effect of proteolytic enzymes on the antimicrobial activity of antibiotics]
Abstract:
The results of the studies on the effect of chemotripsin on the antimicrobial activity of monomycin against laboratory cultures, such as Staph. aureus 209 P, E. coli M38 and Streptococcus zymogenes and 20 clinical strains isolated from patients with purulent peritonitis are presented. The studies were performed with the method of two-fold serial dilutions. It was found that chemotripsin decreased 3.2.10-2.6.10(5) times the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and the bactericidal concentration of monomycin. The presence of fibrin in the medium inhibited 4-128 times the antibacterial effect of monomycin. The potentiating effect of chemotripsin on monomycin could be explained by both a better "contact" of the antibiotic with the microbes and an direct increase in the antibiotic sensitivity of the microbial cells. Combination of monomycin with chemotripsin provided the use of decreased doses of the antibiotic. It is an effective means of overcoming the antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microbes.
Insights
Chemotrypsin significantly enhances the antimicrobial activity of monomycin against bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. This combination therapy allows for reduced antibiotic dosages, offering a novel approach to combatting infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat.
- Monomycin is an antibiotic with limitations in efficacy against certain pathogens.
- Purulent peritonitis involves complex microbial environments.
Observation:
- Chemotrypsin was investigated for its potential to potentiate monomycin's antimicrobial effects.
- Studies included laboratory bacterial cultures (Staph. aureus, E. coli, Streptococcus zymogenes) and clinical isolates.
- The method of two-fold serial dilutions was employed to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC).
Findings:
- Chemotrypsin reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal concentration of monomycin by 3.2 x 10^2 to 2.6 x 10^5 times.
- Fibrin in the medium inhibited monomycin's antibacterial effect 4-128 fold.
- Chemotrypsin's potentiation is attributed to improved antibiotic-microbe contact and increased microbial sensitivity.
Implications:
- Combining monomycin with chemotripsin allows for lower antibiotic doses.
- This combination is effective in overcoming antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microbes.
- Potential for developing new therapeutic strategies against resistant bacterial infections.