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August B, Matlob A, Kale-Pradhan PB. Sulbactam-Durlobactam in the Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infections. Ann Pharmacother 2024; 58:735-741. [PMID: 37817550 DOI: 10.1177/10600280231204566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of intravenous sulbactam-durlobactam (SUL-DUR) in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections. DATA SOURCES PubMed databases and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using the following terms: Sulbactam Durlobactam, ETX2514, Xacduro, Sulbactam-ETX2514, ETX2514SUL. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Articles published in English between January 1985 and September 13, 2023, related to pharmacology, safety, efficacy, and clinical trials were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS A phase II trial compared SUL-DUR with placebo with imipenem and cilastatin in both groups. Overall treatment success in the microbiological intention-to-treat analysis was reported in 76.6% of patients in the SUL-DUR group compared with 81% patients in the placebo group. A phase III trial compared SUL-DUR with colistin in adults with confirmed CRAB infections. Patients received either SUL-DUR or colistin and background therapy with imipenem-cilastatin. SUL-DUR was noninferior to colistin for 28-day all-cause mortality (19% vs 32.3%, treatment difference -13.2%; 95% CI [-30.0 to 3.5]). RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN COMPARISON TO EXISTING DRUGS Clinicians have limited options to treat CRAB infections. SUL-DUR has demonstrated efficacy against CRAB in patients with pneumonia and may be considered a viable treatment option. Nonetheless, potential impact of concomitant imipenem-cilastatin as background therapy on clinical trial findings is unclear. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of SUL-DUR alone or in combination with other active antimicrobials for the treatment of CRAB infections. CONCLUSIONS SUL-DUR has shown to be predominantly noninferior to alternative antibiotics in the treatment of pneumonias caused by CRAB, making it a viable treatment option. Further postmarketing data is needed to ascertain its role in other infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin August
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Henry Ford Hospital, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Andrew Matlob
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Pramodini B Kale-Pradhan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Ascension St. John Hospital, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Marino A, Augello E, Stracquadanio S, Bellanca CM, Cosentino F, Spampinato S, Cantarella G, Bernardini R, Stefani S, Cacopardo B, Nunnari G. Unveiling the Secrets of Acinetobacter baumannii: Resistance, Current Treatments, and Future Innovations. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6814. [PMID: 38999924 PMCID: PMC11241693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii represents a significant concern in nosocomial settings, particularly in critically ill patients who are forced to remain in hospital for extended periods. The challenge of managing and preventing this organism is further compounded by its increasing ability to develop resistance due to its extraordinary genomic plasticity, particularly in response to adverse environmental conditions. Its recognition as a significant public health risk has provided a significant impetus for the identification of new therapeutic approaches and infection control strategies. Indeed, currently used antimicrobial agents are gradually losing their efficacy, neutralized by newer and newer mechanisms of bacterial resistance, especially to carbapenem antibiotics. A deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is urgently needed to shed light on the properties that allow A. baumannii enormous resilience against standard therapies. Among the most promising alternatives under investigation are the combination sulbactam/durlobactam, cefepime/zidebactam, imipenem/funobactam, xeruborbactam, and the newest molecules such as novel polymyxins or zosurabalpin. Furthermore, the potential of phage therapy, as well as deep learning and artificial intelligence, offer a complementary approach that could be particularly useful in cases where traditional strategies fail. The fight against A. baumannii is not confined to the microcosm of microbiological research or hospital wards; instead, it is a broader public health dilemma that demands a coordinated, global response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marino
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Stracquadanio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Cosentino
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Spampinato
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stefani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Bruno Cacopardo
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
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Yang Q, Yang Y, He R, Yu B, Zhong Y, Lin F. Efficacy and safety of novel carbapenem-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations: imipenem-cilastatin/relebactam results from randomized controlled trials. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1304369. [PMID: 38188339 PMCID: PMC10767998 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1304369] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gram-negative bacteria is a global public health problem. Treatment options include novel beta-lactamase inhibitors. Objectives The objective of this study was to collect information on the efficacy and safety of novel β-lactamase inhibitor combinations such as imipenem-cilastatin/relebactam (IMI/REL). Methods In order to comprehensively evaluate the clinical, microbiological, and adverse events outcomes, a meta-analysis was conducted on clinical trials comparing novel β-lactamase inhibitor combinations with existing comparator therapies. Results Four studies comprising 948 patients were included in the analysis. IMI/REL therapy demonstrated similar clinical responses to comparators across various treatment visits, including discontinuation of intravenously administered therapy visits [DCIV, RR = 1.00 (0.88, 1.12)], early follow-up visits [EFU, RR = 1.00 (0.89, 1.14)], late follow-up visits [LFU, RR = 1.00 (0.88, 1.13)]. Moreover, no significant difference in the microbiologic response of MITT patients was observed between IMI/REL and comparators across DCIV [RR = 0.99 (0.89, 1.11)], EFU [RR = 1.01 (0.95, 1.07)], and LFU visits [RR = 1.00 (90.94, 1.07)]. In terms of safety, therapy with IMI/REL and comparators exhibited similar risks of at least one adverse event (AE), drug-related AEs, and discontinuation due to AEs. The incidence of serious AEs (SAEs) was significantly lower in the IMI/REL group compared to the comparison groups. The predominant AEs were gastrointestinal disorders, with no significant difference observed between the IMI/REL group and comparators. Conclusion The clinical and microbiologic response to IMI/REL in the treatment of bacterial infection was comparable to that of the comparator. Furthermore, the incidence of AEs and the tolerability of IMI/REL were similar among the comparators. Based on these findings, IMI/REL can be considered as a viable alternative treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Yang
- Pharmaceutical Department, Mianyang Orthopaedic Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Yanqiu Yang
- Department of Science and Technology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Clinical Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Clinical Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Yueling Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Clinical Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Clinical Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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4
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Ahmad F, Parvaiz N, MacKerell AD, Azam SS. Non-β Lactam Inhibitors of the Serine β-Lactamase blaCTX-M15 in Drug-Resistant Salmonella typhi. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6681-6695. [PMID: 37847018 PMCID: PMC10698858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance by bacterial pathogens against widely used β-lactam drugs is a major concern to public health worldwide, resulting in high healthcare cost. The present study aimed to extend previous research by investigating the potential activity of reported compounds against the S. typhi β-lactamase protein. 74 compounds from computational screening reported in our previous study against β-lactamase CMY-10 were subjected to docking studies against blaCTX-M15. Site-Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS)-Monte Carlo (SILCS-MC) was applied to the top two ligands selected from molecular docking studies to predict and refine their conformations for binding conformations against blaCTX-M15. The SILCS-MC method predicted affinities of -8.6 and -10.7 kcal/mol for Top1 and Top2, respectively, indicating low micromolar binding to the blaCTX-M15 active site. MD simulations initiated from SILCS-MC docked orientations were carried out to better characterize the dynamics and stability of the complexes. Important interactions anchoring the ligand within the active site include pi-pi stacked, amide-pi, and pi-alkyl interactions. Simulations of the Top2-blaCTX-M15 complex exhibited stability associated with a wide range of hydrogen-bond and aromatic interactions between the protein and the ligand. Experimental β-lactamase (BL) activity assays showed that Top1 has 0.1 u/mg BL activity, and Top2 has a BL activity of 0.038 u/mg with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 mg/mL. The inhibitors proposed in this study are non-β-lactam-based β-lactamase inhibitors that exhibit the potential to be used in combination with β-lactam antibiotics against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Thus, Top1 and Top2 represent lead compounds that increase the efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics with a low dose concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Ahmad
- Both authors contributed equally and can be considered as first author
- Computational Biology Lab, National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad-45320, Pakistan
| | - Nousheen Parvaiz
- Both authors contributed equally and can be considered as first author
- Computational Biology Lab, National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad-45320, Pakistan
| | - Alexander D. MacKerell
- Computer-Aided Drug Design Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Syed Sikander Azam
- Computational Biology Lab, National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad-45320, Pakistan
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5
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Magaña AJ, Sklenicka J, Pinilla C, Giulianotti M, Chapagain P, Santos R, Ramirez MS, Tolmasky ME. Restoring susceptibility to aminoglycosides: identifying small molecule inhibitors of enzymatic inactivation. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1591-1602. [PMID: 37731693 PMCID: PMC10507813 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00226h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing resistance to antimicrobial medicines is a critical health problem that must be urgently addressed. Adding to the increasing number of patients that succumb to infections, there are other consequences to the rise in resistance like the compromise of several medical procedures and dental work that are heavily dependent on infection prevention. Since their introduction in the clinics, aminoglycoside antibiotics have been a critical component of the armamentarium to treat infections. Still, the increase in resistance and their side effects led to a decline in their utilization. However, numerous current factors, like the urgent need for antimicrobials and their favorable properties, led to renewed interest in these drugs. While efforts to design new classes of aminoglycosides refractory to resistance mechanisms and with fewer toxic effects are starting to yield new promising molecules, extending the useful life of those already in use is essential. For this, numerous research projects are underway to counter resistance from different angles, like inhibition of expression or activity of resistance components. This review focuses on selected examples of one aspect of this quest, the design or identification of small molecule inhibitors of resistance caused by enzymatic modification of the aminoglycoside. These compounds could be developed as aminoglycoside adjuvants to overcome resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel J Magaña
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton Fullerton CA 92831 USA
| | - Jan Sklenicka
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton Fullerton CA 92831 USA
| | - Clemencia Pinilla
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University Port St. Lucie FL 34987 USA
| | - Marc Giulianotti
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University Port St. Lucie FL 34987 USA
| | - Prem Chapagain
- Department of Physics, Florida International University Miami FL 33199 USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University Miami FL 33199 USA
| | - Radleigh Santos
- Department of Mathematics, Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale FL 33314 USA
| | - Maria Soledad Ramirez
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton Fullerton CA 92831 USA
| | - Marcelo E Tolmasky
- Center for Applied Biotechnology Studies, Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, California State University Fullerton Fullerton CA 92831 USA
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Narendrakumar L, Chakraborty M, Kumari S, Paul D, Das B. β-Lactam potentiators to re-sensitize resistant pathogens: Discovery, development, clinical use and the way forward. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1092556. [PMID: 36970185 PMCID: PMC10036598 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1092556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
β-lactam antibiotics are one of the most widely used and diverse classes of antimicrobial agents for treating both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial infections. The β-lactam antibiotics, which include penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams and carbapenems, exert their antibacterial activity by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis and have a global positive impact in treating serious bacterial infections. Today, β-lactam antibiotics are the most frequently prescribed antimicrobial across the globe. However, due to the widespread use and misapplication of β-lactam antibiotics in fields such as human medicine and animal agriculture, resistance to this superlative drug class has emerged in the majority of clinically important bacterial pathogens. This heightened antibiotic resistance prompted researchers to explore novel strategies to restore the activity of β-lactam antibiotics, which led to the discovery of β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) and other β-lactam potentiators. Although there are several successful β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations in use, the emergence of novel resistance mechanisms and variants of β-lactamases have put the quest of new β-lactam potentiators beyond precedence. This review summarizes the success stories of β-lactamase inhibitors in use, prospective β-lactam potentiators in various phases of clinical trials and the different strategies used to identify novel β-lactam potentiators. Furthermore, this review discusses the various challenges in taking these β-lactam potentiators from bench to bedside and expounds other mechanisms that could be investigated to reduce the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekshmi Narendrakumar
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Infection and Immunology Division, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
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7
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Finazzi S, Luci G, Olivieri C, Langer M, Mandelli G, Corona A, Viaggi B, Di Paolo A. Tissue Penetration of Antimicrobials in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Systematic Review—Part I. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091164. [PMID: 36139944 PMCID: PMC9495190 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The challenging severity of some infections, especially in critically ill patients, makes the diffusion of antimicrobial drugs within tissues one of the cornerstones of chemotherapy. The knowledge of how antibacterial agents penetrate tissues may come from different sources: preclinical studies in animal models, phase I–III clinical trials and post-registration studies. However, the particular physiopathology of critically ill patients may significantly alter drug pharmacokinetics. Indeed, changes in interstitial volumes (the third space) and/or in glomerular filtration ratio may influence the achievement of bactericidal concentrations in peripheral compartments, while inflammation can alter the systemic distribution of some drugs. On the contrary, other antibacterial agents may reach high and effective concentrations thanks to the increased tissue accumulation of macrophages and neutrophils. Therefore, the present review explores the tissue distribution of beta-lactams and other antimicrobials acting on the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria in critically ill patients. A systematic search of articles was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, and tissue/plasma penetration ratios were collected. Results showed a highly variable passage of drugs within tissues, while large interindividual variability may represent a hurdle which must be overcome to achieve therapeutic concentrations in some compartments. To solve that issue, off-label dosing regimens could represent an effective solution in particular conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Finazzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24020 Ranica, Italy
- Associazione GiViTI, c/o Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Luci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Olivieri
- Associazione GiViTI, c/o Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Sant’Andrea Hospital, ASL VC, 13100 Vercelli, Italy
| | - Martin Langer
- Associazione GiViTI, c/o Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Mandelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24020 Ranica, Italy
| | - Alberto Corona
- ICU and Accident & Emergency Department, ASST Valcamonica, 25043 Breno, Italy
| | - Bruno Viaggi
- Associazione GiViTI, c/o Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonello Di Paolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Principe L, Lupia T, Andriani L, Campanile F, Carcione D, Corcione S, De Rosa FG, Luzzati R, Stroffolini G, Steyde M, Decorti G, Di Bella S. Microbiological, Clinical, and PK/PD Features of the New Anti-Gram-Negative Antibiotics: β-Lactam/β-Lactamase Inhibitors in Combination and Cefiderocol—An All-Inclusive Guide for Clinicians. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040463. [PMID: 35455461 PMCID: PMC9028825 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial resistance mechanisms are continuously and rapidly evolving. This is particularly true for Gram-negative bacteria. Over the last decade, the strategy to develop new β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (BLs/BLIs) combinations has paid off and results from phase 3 and real-world studies are becoming available for several compounds. Cefiderocol warrants a separate discussion for its peculiar mechanism of action. Considering the complexity of summarizing and integrating the emerging literature data of clinical outcomes, microbiological mechanisms, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of the new BL/BLI and cefiderocol, we aimed to provide an overview of data on the following compounds: aztreonam/avibactam, cefepime/enmetazobactam, cefepime/taniborbactam, cefepime/zidebactam, cefiderocol, ceftaroline/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, imipenem/relebactam, meropenem/nacubactam and meropenem/vaborbactam. Each compound is described in a dedicated section by experts in infectious diseases, microbiology, and pharmacology, with tables providing at-a-glance information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Principe
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, “San Giovanni di Dio” Hospital, I-88900 Crotone, Italy;
| | - Tommaso Lupia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, I-14100 Asti, Italy; (T.L.); (F.G.D.R.)
| | - Lilia Andriani
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, Hospital of Sondrio, I-23100 Sondrio, Italy;
| | - Floriana Campanile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Davide Carcione
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, I-20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Silvia Corcione
- Infectious diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, I-10124 Torino, Italy; (S.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, I-14100 Asti, Italy; (T.L.); (F.G.D.R.)
- Infectious diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, I-10124 Torino, Italy; (S.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Roberto Luzzati
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.L.); (M.S.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Giacomo Stroffolini
- Infectious diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, I-10124 Torino, Italy; (S.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Marina Steyde
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.L.); (M.S.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Giuliana Decorti
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.L.); (M.S.); (S.D.B.)
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health–IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, I-34137 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39 40-378-5362
| | - Stefano Di Bella
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.L.); (M.S.); (S.D.B.)
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Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has caused a serious threat to public health and human safety. Recently, the emergence of novel resistance gene tet(X4) and its variants threatens the clinical utility of tigecycline, one of the last-line antibiotics for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. It is highly promising to develop effective antibiotic adjuvants to restore the clinical efficacy of existing drugs and extend their life spans. Metal compounds, such as silver, have been widely used as potential antimicrobial agents for decades. However, the potentiating effect of metallo-agents on the existing antibiotics is not fully understood. Here, we found that five bismuth drugs, especially bismuth nitrate [Bi(NO3)3], commonly used in clinical treatment of stomach-associated diseases, effectively boost the antibacterial activity of tigecycline against tet(X)-positive bacteria by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Tet(X) protein. Furthermore, the combination of Bi(NO3)3 and tigecycline prevents the development of higher-level resistance in Tet(X)-expressing Gram-negative bacteria. Using molecular docking and dynamics simulation assays, we revealed that Bi(NO3)3 can competitively bind to the active center of Tet(X4) protein, while the bismuth atom targets the Tet(X4) protein in a noncompetitive manner and changes the structure of the primary binding pocket. These two mechanisms of action both antagonize the enzymatic activity of Tet(X4) resistance protein on tigecycline. Collectively, these findings indicate the high potential of bismuth drugs as novel Tet(X) inhibitors to treat tet(X4)-positive bacteria-associated infections in combination with tigecycline. IMPORTANCE Recently, high-level tigecycline resistance mediated by tet(X4) and its variants represents a serious challenge for global public health. Antibiotic adjuvant strategy that enhances the activity of the existing antibiotics by using nonantibiotic drugs offers a distinct approach to combat the antibiotic resistance crisis. In this study, we found that bismuth drugs involve bismuth nitrate, a compound previously approved for treatment of stomach-associated diseases, remarkably potentiates tigecycline activity against tet(X)-positive bacteria. Mechanistic studies showed that bismuth drugs effectively suppress the enzymatic activity of Tet(X) resistance protein. Specifically, bismuth nitrate targets the active center of Tet(X4) protein, while bismuth binds to the resistance protein in a noncompetitive manner. Our data open up a new horizon for the treatment of infections caused by tet(X)-bearing superbugs.
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