The bacteriocin piscicolin 126 retains antilisterial activity in vivo.
OBJECTIVE
We have conducted a series of experiments to show that the bacteriocin piscicolin 126 (P126) retains antilisterial activity after injection into a mouse.


METHODS
Groups of mice were challenged intravenously with Listeria monocytogenes and treated with purified P126 at varying times before and after challenge to determine whether administration of this peptide reduced numbers of colonizing L. monocytogenes and the symptoms of listeriosis.


RESULTS
The bacteriocin P126 retained antilisterial activity after injection into the mouse. During the early time-points of listerial infection, the purified P126 was found to significantly reduce the listerial load in the liver and spleen and, further, that this reduction translated to reduced clinical signs of disease.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report of a Class IIA bacteriocin displaying in vivo antimicrobial activity. Such a result provides preliminary evidence that this class of molecules may be useful in controlling systemic bacterial infections.
Ingham
Aaron
A
CSIRO Livestock Industries, Private Bag 24, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia. aaron.ingham@csiro.au
Ford
Mark
M
Moore
Robert J
RJ
Tizard
Mark
M
D000818:Animals; D001430:Bacteriocins / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C
D001430:Bacteriocins; C470824:piscicolin 126