In vitro antimicrobial activity of Shiva-11 against ocular pathogens.
Cecropins are antimicrobial peptides (30-35 amino acids) isolated from the hemolymph of the cecropia moth. Previous studies have demonstrated their antimicrobial efficacy against a variety of pathogens, including both gram-positive and -negative bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and enveloped viruses. To assess their therapeutic potential against ocular pathogens, we analyzed the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a synthetic cecropin analog, Shiva-11, against virulent microbial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Candida albicans). Bacterial isolates were obtained from human cases of severe ulcerative keratitis. Shiva-11 was tested at varying concentrations in bacterial suspensions containing 1-2 x 10(6) CFU/ml at 37 degrees C. Samples were plated on nutrient agar and colonies counted after 24-48 h of incubation. Shiva-11 yielded > 3 log killing of all isolates after 60 min of exposure to this compound. The results of this study indicate that Shiva-11 possesses broad-spectrum in vitro antimicrobial activity against human clinical ocular pathogens.
Gunshefski
L
L
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis.
Mannis
M J
MJ
Cullor
J S
JS
Schwab
I R
IR
Jaynes
J
J
Smith
W L
WL
Mabry
E
E
Murphy
C J
CJ
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000382:microbiology; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007301:Insect Hormones; D009036:Moths; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D007301:Insect Hormones; D010455:Peptides; C088451:Shiva 11