title: Targeting bacterial integration host factor to disrupt biofilms associated with cystic fibrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aims to identify whether the bacterial protein, Integration Host Factor (IHF), is present within sputum solids collected from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and thus might contribute to the structural stability of biofilms within the lungs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The presence of IHF in sputum was determined by immunohistochemistry. The role of IHF in stabilizing biofilms within sputum was tested in vitro wherein anti-IHF was used to attempt to dissolve sputum solids.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-seven of 44 sputum samples (84%) were positive for anti-IHF staining. Treatment with anti-IHF or DNase of 6 representative samples, dissolved sputum solids significantly better than treatment with normal saline in vitro, and strong synergism was observed when these agents were used in combination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IHF was detected in the majority of sputum samples from patients with CF and in vitro treatment with anti-IHF induced dissolution of sputum solids. These data support further investigation of IHF as a potential therapeutic target for patients with CF.
authors.affiliation: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
authors.forename: Jodi E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Gustave
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Jurcisek
authors.forename: Karen S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: McCoy
authors.forename: Steven D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.forename: Lauren O
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Bakaletz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018441:Biofilms; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D034982:Integration Host Factors / Q000032:analysis* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013183:Sputum / Q000737:chemistry*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D034982:Integration Host Factors