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Now, thanks to a Canadian team of researchers, there may be a means to combat all three. The team unveiled a novel antimicrobial peptide with the power to prevent and treat ESKAPE biofilm-mediated infections and the development of antibiotic resistance. Innate defense regulator 1018 (IDR-1018) is a synthetic peptide with homology to a number of natural proteins. It was found as a part of a larger screen to determine any effects on formation of ESKAPE biofilms. When introduced at microgram levels, there was no sign of colonization from any of the bacterial types. Moreover, any biofilms already present disappeared. This was a broad-spectrum anti-biofilm antimicrobial.
While this was already a formidable find, the authors wanted to find out more about the wide spectrum activity of IDR-1018. They first focused on identifying a common parameter between the ESKAPE pathogens as they formed biofilms. They found the presence of two small molecules: guanosine 5′-diphosphate 3′-diphosphate (ppGpp) and guanosine 5′-triphosphate 3′-diphosphate (pppGpp). Their function was to signal cells to gather round and start forming a microcolony.
Once they had their target in sight, the group looked at the interaction between IDR-1018 and the peptides. Sure enough, when the two interacted, the signal was destroyed. The cells were left to fend for themselves. Over time, the bacteria would stress out and start to overproduce the (p)ppGpp molecules yet IDR-1018 would prevent them from finding solace. The biofilm would disappear and the remaining bacteria would be left helpless against any antibiotic treatment regimen.
The results of this study reveal the potential for antimicrobial peptides and their use in the fight against infections. Perhaps even more promising is the possible combinatorial effect with antimicrobial stewardship. With the power of IDR-1018, medical professionals would have an algorithm to fight ESKAPE pathogens. After identification, the peptide could be used first to wipe away any biofilms followed by pathogen-specific antibiotic regimen to clear the infection.
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So in a nutshell --- in tiny amounts--- this new peptide disables the quorum sensing function of bacteria which allows the bugs to build colonies or armed camps against antibiotics.
Maybe this is a partial breakthrough.
We also need a drug that kills individual cysts so they cant live another day as motile spirochetes.
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