Using Phage Lytic Enzymes to Kill Pathogenic Bacteria.

摘要

Bacteriophage lytic enzymes are highly evolved molecules used by the phage to quickly destroy the bacterial cell wall to release bacteriophage progeny. The investigators have exploited the rapid and lethal action of these enzymes to destroy pathogenic bacteria. These enzymes are specific for the species or strain from which they were produced, thus avoiding destruction of the surrounding normal commensal organisms found on mucosal surfaces. They now have enzymes that are specific for S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, and B. anthracis with enzyme for S. aureus, E. faecalis/E. faecium, and group B streptococci in progress. Their results using any of the phage lytic enzymes show that in vitro, 10(exp 7) bacteria can be sterilized seconds after enzyme contact. In animal model experiments, they were able to colonize mice with either streptococcal or pneumococcal species (orally or nasally) and remove them completely with phage enzymes delivered to these sites. In a septicemia model using S. pneumoniae, bacteria are reduced by >2-logs from the blood of infected animals with a single intravenous dose of enzyme. In subsequent experiments, they plan to use constant infusion to clear organisms from the blood. Thus, phage lytic enzymes are a new reagent that may be used to control pathogenic bacteria. A list of 7 publications is included.