Related Experiment Videos
Dextranase enhances antibiotic efficacy in experimental viridans streptococcal endocarditis
A S Mghir1, A C Cremieux, R Jambou
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 13, Hôpital Claude-Bernard Bichat, Paris, France.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Dextranase enhances temafloxacin
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Exopolysaccharide production by viridans streptococci impacts antimicrobial efficacy in endocarditis.
- Bacterial glycocalyx can impede antibiotic penetration and activity within cardiac vegetations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of temafloxacin combined with dextranase in a rabbit model of endocarditis.
- To determine if dextranase can improve temafloxacin's antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus sanguis.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit model of endocarditis was established using Streptococcus sanguis.
- Animals were treated with temafloxacin alone or in combination with dextranase.
- In vivo and ex vivo experiments assessed bacterial load in vegetations; electron microscopy visualized glycocalyx reduction.
Main Results:
- Temafloxacin combined with dextranase demonstrated significantly greater efficacy than temafloxacin alone (P < 0.05).
- Dextranase treatment led to a marked reduction in bacterial glycocalyx.
- Electron microscopy confirmed reduced glycocalyx and a more visible fibrin matrix in combined treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- Dextranase enhances the antimicrobial effects of temafloxacin in endocarditis.
- Targeting the bacterial glycocalyx with enzymes like dextranase is a promising strategy to overcome antimicrobial resistance.