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Fontanot A, Ellinger I, Unger WWJ, Hays JP. A Comprehensive Review of Recent Research into the Effects of Antimicrobial Peptides on Biofilms-January 2020 to September 2023. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:343. [PMID: 38667019 PMCID: PMC11047476 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial biofilm formation creates a persistent and resistant environment in which microorganisms can survive, contributing to antibiotic resistance and chronic inflammatory diseases. Increasingly, biofilms are caused by multi-drug resistant microorganisms, which, coupled with a diminishing supply of effective antibiotics, is driving the search for new antibiotic therapies. In this respect, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short, hydrophobic, and amphipathic peptides that show activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilm formation. They also possess broad-spectrum activity and diverse mechanisms of action. In this comprehensive review, 150 publications (from January 2020 to September 2023) were collected and categorized using the search terms 'polypeptide antibiotic agent', 'antimicrobial peptide', and 'biofilm'. During this period, a wide range of natural and synthetic AMPs were studied, of which LL-37, polymyxin B, GH12, and Nisin were the most frequently cited. Furthermore, although many microbes were studied, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most popular. Publications also considered AMP combinations and the potential role of AMP delivery systems in increasing the efficacy of AMPs, including nanoparticle delivery. Relatively few publications focused on AMP resistance. This comprehensive review informs and guides researchers about the latest developments in AMP research, presenting promising evidence of the role of AMPs as effective antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Fontanot
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre (Erasmus MC), Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.F.); (W.W.J.U.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Isabella Ellinger
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Wendy W. J. Unger
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre (Erasmus MC), Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.F.); (W.W.J.U.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John P. Hays
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre (Erasmus MC), Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (A.F.); (W.W.J.U.)
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Peng J, Li L, Wan Y, Yang Y, An X, Yuan K, Qiu Z, Jiang Y, Guo G, Shen F, Liang G. Molecular characterization and antimicrobial activity of cecropin family in Hermetia illucens. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 152:105111. [PMID: 38081402 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics in the face of increasing bacterial resistance. Insects possess many antimicrobial peptides and have become a valuable source of novel and highly effective antimicrobial peptides. Hermetia illucens as a resource insect, for example, has the highest number of antimicrobial peptides of any dipteran. However, most antimicrobial peptides, especially cecropin, have not been comprehensively identified and have not been evaluated for their antimicrobial ability. In this study, we analyzed the localization and gene structure of 33 cecropin molecules in the H. illucens genome and evaluated their activity against common human pathogens. The results showed that 32 cecropin molecules were concentrated on 1 chromosome, most with 2 exons. More importantly, most of the cecropins had a good antibacterial effect against Gram-negative bacteria, and were not hemolytic. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the cecropin designated H3 against E. coli was 4 μg/mL. The toxicity, killing time kinetics, and anti-biofilm activity of H3 were further investigated and confirmed its antimicrobial ability. Overall, H3 is a potential candidate for the development of new antimicrobials to treat severe infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens such as E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Peng
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Li
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wan
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin An
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhilang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinhui Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo Guo
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Shen
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guiyou Liang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Cardiac Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China.
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Palma F, Chianese A, Panico E, Greco G, Fusco A, Savio V, Ruocco E, Monti A, Doti N, Zannella C, Donnarumma G, De Filippis A, Galdiero M. Oreoch-1: A Peptide from Oreochromis niloticus as a Potential Tool against Staphylococci. Pathogens 2023; 12:1188. [PMID: 37887704 PMCID: PMC10610258 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococci, including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, are important human pathogens associated with potentially life-threatening infections. Their great biofilm-producing ability and the development of resistance mechanisms often account for therapeutic failure. Hence, the scientific community has devoted intensive efforts to the development of antimicrobial compounds active against both planktonic and sessile bacterial populations. Contextually, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are natural peptides produced by the innate immunity of every organism, representing a potential new therapeutic solution against human microbial pathogens. Our work focused on the in vitro activity of Oreoch-1, an AMP from the gills of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), against standard and clinical S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains. Firstly, the cytotoxicity profile of Oreoch-1 was determined in human colon carcinoma cells. Secondly, its antibacterial spectrum was explored against staphylococcal strains to set up the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Our results highlighted an antibacterial activity in the range 6.25-25 μM, with a general bacteriostatic effect. Therefore, the biofilm-inhibitory property was assessed against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. epidermidis ATCC 35984, indicating a significant reduction in S. aureus biomass at sub-MIC concentrations. Overall, our study indicates Oreoch-1 as a promising new therapeutic weapon against staphylococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Palma
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (V.S.); (C.Z.); (G.D.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (V.S.); (C.Z.); (G.D.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Erica Panico
- UOC of Virology and Microbiology, University Hospital of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Greco
- UOC of Virology and Microbiology, University Hospital of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Alessandra Fusco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (V.S.); (C.Z.); (G.D.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Vittoria Savio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (V.S.); (C.Z.); (G.D.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Eleonora Ruocco
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (V.S.); (C.Z.); (G.D.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Giovanna Donnarumma
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (V.S.); (C.Z.); (G.D.); (A.D.F.)
- UOC of Virology and Microbiology, University Hospital of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (V.S.); (C.Z.); (G.D.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (V.S.); (C.Z.); (G.D.); (A.D.F.)
- UOC of Virology and Microbiology, University Hospital of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (G.G.)
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Mao C, Wang Y, Yang Y, Li L, Yuan K, Cao H, Qiu Z, Guo G, Wu J, Peng J. Cec4-Derived Peptide Inhibits Planktonic and Biofilm-Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0240922. [PMID: 36453944 PMCID: PMC9769716 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02409-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is part of the normal microbiota that colonizes the skin and mucosal surfaces of human beings. Previous studies suggested that S. epidermidis possessed low virulence, but recent studies confirmed that it can acquire high virulence from Staphylococcus aureus and with the increasing detection of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis. It has become a major pathogen of graft-associated and hospital-acquired infections. In previous studies, we modified the antimicrobial peptide Cec4 (41 amino acids) and obtained the derived peptide C9 (16 amino acids) showing better antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis with an MIC value of 8 μg/mL. The peptide has rapid bactericidal activity without detectable high-level resistance, showing certain inhibition and eradication ability on S. epidermidis biofilms. The damage of cell membrane structures by C9 was observed by scanning emission microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, C9 altered the S. epidermidis cell membrane permeability, depolarization levels, fluidity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and possessed the ability to bind genomic DNA. Analysis of the transcriptional profiles of C9-treated cells revealed changes in genes involved in cell wall and ribosome biosynthesis, membrane protein transport, oxidative stress, and DNA transcription regulation. At the same time, the median lethal dose of C9 in mice was more than 128 mg/kg, and the intraperitoneal administration of 64 mg/kg was less toxic to the liver and kidneys of mice. Furthermore, C9 also showed a certain therapeutic effect on the mouse bacteremia model. In conclusion, C9 may be a candidate drug against S. epidermidis, which has the potential to be further developed as an antibacterial therapeutic agent. IMPORTANCE S. epidermidis is one of the most important pathogens of graft-related infection and hospital-acquired infection. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance, as well as the emergence of bacterial pathogenicity, highlights the need for antimicrobials with new modes of action. Antimicrobial peptides have been extensively studied over the past 30 years as ideal alternatives to antibiotics, and we report here that the derived peptide C9 is characterized by rapid bactericidal and antibiofilm activity, avoiding the development of resistance by acting on multiple nonspecific targets of the cell membrane or cell components. In addition, it has therapeutic potential against S. epidermidis infection in vivo. This study provides a rationale for the further development and application of C9 as an effective candidate antibiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengju Mao
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Kexin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Huijun Cao
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhilang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guo Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianwei Wu
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jian Peng
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Pang X, Song X, Chen M, Tian S, Lu Z, Sun J, Li X, Lu Y, Yuk HG. Combating biofilms of foodborne pathogens with bacteriocins by lactic acid bacteria in the food industry. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2022; 21:1657-1676. [PMID: 35181977 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Most foodborne pathogens have biofilm-forming capacity and prefer to grow in the form of biofilms. Presence of biofilms on food contact surfaces can lead to persistence of pathogens and the recurrent cross-contamination of food products, resulting in serious problems associated with food safety and economic losses. Resistance of biofilm cells to conventional sanitizers urges the development of natural alternatives to effectively inhibit biofilm formation and eradicate preformed biofilms. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce bacteriocins which are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides, providing a great source of nature antimicrobials with the advantages of green and safe properties. Studies on biofilm control by newly identified bacteriocins are increasing, targeting primarily onListeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli. This review systematically complies and assesses the antibiofilm property of LAB bacteriocins in controlling foodborne bacterial-biofilms on food contact surfaces. The bacteriocin-producing LAB genera/species, test method (inhibition and eradication), activity spectrum and surfaces are discussed, and the antibiofilm mechanisms are also argued. The findings indicate that bacteriocins can effectively inhibit biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner, but are difficult to disrupt preformed biofilms. Synergistic combination with other antimicrobials, incorporation in nanoconjugates and implementation of bioengineering can help to strengthen their antibiofilm activity. This review provides an overview of the potential and application of LAB bacteriocins in combating bacterial biofilms in food processing environments, assisting in the development and widespread use of bacteriocin as a promising antibiofilm-agent in food industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Pang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoye Song
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China
| | - Minjie Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuhua Tian
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaoxin Lu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangfei Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingjian Lu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China
| | - Hyun-Gyun Yuk
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
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Interplay between ESKAPE Pathogens and Immunity in Skin Infections: An Overview of the Major Determinants of Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020148. [PMID: 33540588 PMCID: PMC7912840 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, acting as a physical and immunological barrier against pathogenic microorganisms. The cutaneous lesions constitute a gateway for microbial contamination that can lead to chronic wounds and other invasive infections. Chronic wounds are considered as serious public health problems due the related social, psychological and economic consequences. The group of bacteria known as ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter sp.) are among the most prevalent bacteria in cutaneous infections. These pathogens have a high level of incidence in hospital environments and several strains present phenotypes of multidrug resistance. In this review, we discuss some important aspects of skin immunology and the involvement of ESKAPE in wound infections. First, we introduce some fundamental aspects of skin physiology and immunology related to cutaneous infections. Following this, the major virulence factors involved in colonization and tissue damage are highlighted, as well as the most frequently detected antimicrobial resistance genes. ESKAPE pathogens express several virulence determinants that overcome the skin's physical and immunological barriers, enabling them to cause severe wound infections. The high ability these bacteria to acquire resistance is alarming, particularly in the hospital settings where immunocompromised individuals are exposed to these pathogens. Knowledge about the virulence and resistance markers of these species is important in order to develop new strategies to detect and treat their associated infections.
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