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In vitro antimicrobial activity of Shiva-11 against ocular pathogens

L Gunshefski1, M J Mannis, J S Cullor

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis.

Cornea
|May 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

A synthetic cecropin analog, Shiva-11, shows broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against common ocular pathogens. This peptide demonstrates significant killing of bacteria and fungi, suggesting therapeutic potential for eye infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Peptide Science
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Cecropins are antimicrobial peptides from the cecropia moth with known efficacy against diverse pathogens.
  • Ocular infections pose a significant threat, necessitating novel therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the synthetic cecropin analog Shiva-11.
  • To assess Shiva-11's potential against key human clinical ocular pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Shiva-11 was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Candida albicans.
  • Antimicrobial activity was assessed by exposing bacterial suspensions to varying concentrations of Shiva-11 at 37°C.
  • Colony counts were determined after 24-48 hours of incubation on nutrient agar.

Main Results:

  • Shiva-11 demonstrated a greater than 3-log reduction in all tested isolates within 60 minutes.
  • The compound exhibited broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi.

Conclusions:

  • The synthetic cecropin analog Shiva-11 possesses potent in vitro antimicrobial activity.
  • Shiva-11 shows promise as a therapeutic agent for treating human clinical ocular infections.

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