AI Article Synopsis

  • - The study tested the antibacterial effects of apitoxin (bee venom) and melittin (an antimicrobial peptide) against both planktonic and biofilm forms of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), including various clinical isolates.
  • - Results indicated that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 7.2 μg/mL for apitoxin and 6.7 μg/mL for melittin, with corresponding minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 28.7 μg/mL and 26 μg/mL.
  • - Both substances showed bactericidal synergism when combined with oxacillin, demonstrated cell damage in bacteria via transmission electron microscopy

Article Abstract

The antibacterial activities of apitoxin, a venom produced by Apis mellifera bee, and melittin, an antimicrobial peptide from apitoxin, were tested against planktonic and biofilm states of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant (MRSA), including clinical, and enterotoxin-producing isolates. Also, the synergism of apitoxin and melittin in combination with oxacillin were evaluated as well. The induced morphological changes on S. aureus cells of both products were detected by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 7.2 μg/mL, and 6.7 μg/mL, for apitoxin and melittin, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 28.7 μg/mL, and 26 μg/mL for apitoxin and melittin, respectively. The time-kill curve assays of apitoxin or melittin with oxacillin exhibited bactericidal synergism against MRSA isolates. TEM images showed cell distortion, cell disintegration with leakage of cytoplasmic content and loss of cytoplasm content. However, apitoxin and melittin did not interfere with staphylococcal enterotoxin production or release. Thus, apitoxin and melittin are potential agents against MRSA that can serve as possible models for new antibacterial drugs.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104011DOI Listing

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