Importance of DNase and alginate lyase for enhancing free and liposome encapsulated aminoglycoside activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2009 May 22.

Importance of DNase and alginate lyase for enhancing free and liposome encapsulated aminoglycoside activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Alipour M, Suntres ZE, Omri A.

The Novel Drug & Vaccine Delivery Systems Facility, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada.

Objectives This study evaluated the potential of DNase, alginate lyase (AlgL) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in enhancing the in vitro bactericidal activity of conventional (free) and vesicle-entrapped (liposomal) gentamicin, amikacin and tobramycin.

Methods The MICs and biofilm eradication for two clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a mucoid strain and a non-mucoid strain) were determined in the presence and absence of AlgL. The co-activity of aminoglycosides with DNase and/or AlgL against endogenous P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis (CF) sputum was also measured. The inhibitory effects of mucin in the presence and absence of the mucolytic agent NAC on aminoglycosidic activity were also examined.

Results The MIC values of the liposomal aminoglycosides were similar to or lower than those of free aminoglycosides. Biofilm formation increased the bactericidal concentrations of these drugs by 8- to 256-fold and treatment with AlgL improved killing of the mucoid strain. The activity of some aminoglycosides against the sputum was increased by the addition of DNase or AlgL (P <> 0.05). Tobramycin was the most effective aminoglycoside to reduce biofilms and sputum.

Conclusions Liposomal aminoglycosides do not fare better than conventional forms. The co-administration of DNase and AlgL is essential for enhanced activity in reducing biofilm growth and sputum bacterial counts. While mucin retards bactericidal activity, NAC does not improve aminoglycosidic activity.