In a significant breakthrough, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have discovered a novel approach to enhance antibiotic efficacy by harnessing an enzyme found in cow intestines. This innovation has the potential to combat antibiotic resistance, a growing global concern.
Key Points:
IISC scientists discover cow gut enzyme (BGDE) that breaks down bacterial biofilms.
BGDE enhances antibiotic efficacy by allowing them to penetrate biofilms.
Potential applications include treating chronic infections and developing novel antibiotic combinations.
Research aims to address growing concerns of antibiotic resistance.
Such broad activity of the enzyme was surprising, as the strains were different in terms of their serotypesDebasis Das, Assistant Professor in the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
The Challenge: Bacterial Biofilms:
Bacteria often form biofilms, complex communities that shield them from antibiotics, making treatment challenging. These biofilms are notoriously difficult to penetrate, rendering antibiotics ineffective.
The Solution: Cow Gut Enzyme:
Researchers at IISc have identified an enzyme in cow intestines, capable of breaking down these biofilm barriers. This enzyme, when combined with antibiotics, enhances their effectiveness by allowing them to reach the bacterial cells.
How It Works?
The cow gut enzyme, known as "Bovine Gut Microbiome-Derived Enzyme" (BGDE), disrupts the biofilm's structure, creating openings for antibiotics to enter and target bacterial cells. This synergistic approach improves antibiotic efficacy, potentially reducing the required dosage and minimizing side effects.
Implications and Future Directions:
This groundbreaking research offers hope for addressing antibiotic resistance. The IISC team plans to explore BGDE's potential in various applications, including:
1. Treating chronic infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.
2. Developing novel antibiotic combinations.
3. Investigating BGDE's efficacy against different types of bacteria
This can be very promisingDipshikha Chakravortty, Professor at the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology and another corresponding author of the study
The IISC research team envisions several potential applications of this technology. One key area is the treatment of chronic infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, where biofilm formation is a significant challenge. By combining BGDE with existing antibiotics, healthcare professionals may be able to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of resistance.
Another promising direction is the development of novel antibiotic combinations. This could lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced side effects, and minimized risk of antibiotic resistance.
Furthermore, the IISc team plans to investigate BGDE's efficacy against various bacterial strains, including those responsible for hospital-acquired infections. This research has the potential to inform the development of targeted therapies, enhancing patient care and public health.
Reference:
1. Combating biofilm-associated Klebsiella pneumoniae infections using a bovine microbial enzyme (Author Group of the Study: Reshma Ramakrishnan, Abhilash V. Nair, Kirti Parmar, Raju S. Rajmani, Dipshikha Chakravortty)
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Neha Kamble/MSM)