Clarke A, Llabona IM, Khalid N, Hulvey D, Irvin A, Adams N, Heine HS, Eshraghi A. Tolfenpyrad displays
Francisella-targeted antibiotic activity that requires an oxidative stress response regulator for sensitivity.
Microbiol Spectr 2023;
11:e0271323. [PMID:
37800934 PMCID:
PMC10848828 DOI:
10.1128/spectrum.02713-23]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE
Francisella species are highly pathogenic bacteria that pose a threat to global health security. These bacteria can be made resistant to antibiotics through facile methods, and we lack a safe and protective vaccine. Given their history of development as bioweapons, new treatment options must be developed to bolster public health preparedness. Here, we report that tolfenpyrad, a pesticide that is currently in use worldwide, effectively inhibits the growth of Francisella. This drug has an extensive history of use and a plethora of safety and toxicity data, making it a good candidate for development as an antibiotic. We identified mutations in Francisella novicida that confer resistance to tolfenpyrad and characterized a transcriptional regulator that is required for sensitivity to both tolfenpyrad and reactive oxygen species.
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