3), although all strains of B. vietnamiensis were more susceptible to ceftazidime and chloramphenicol than other Bcc species (Nzula et al., 2002). see more Similarly, no direct relationship was observed between DHA susceptibility and cell surface hydrophobic properties. Two of the three Bcc strains
that were particularly susceptible to DHA (B. stabilis LMG14294 and B. anthinia AU1293) possessed the lowest levels of cell surface hydrophobicity. In addition, the three B. cenocepacia isolates tested have shown identical DHA susceptibility but significant differences in cell surface hydrophobicity (Fig. 3). These findings suggest that the resistance to DHA is not directly correlated with the degree of cell surface hydrophobicity, meaning that other particular cell targets could be relevant. In this regard, Zheng et al. (2005) demonstrated that LCUFAs are selective inhibitors of the Type I fatty acid synthase (FabI), concluding that their antibacterial activity is because of the inhibition of fatty acid biosynthesis. Martinez et al., 2009 have demonstrated a potent Sirolimus in vitro synergistic activity of DHA with lysozyme against a P. aeruginosa strain isolated from the lungs of a patient with CF. Furthermore, the authors highlighted the relevance of this synergistic action and its translation to the clinic as an antipseudomonal therapy for patients with CF. With respect to this finding, we have analyzed whether DHA (50 mM) in combination with two antibacterial
proteins [lysozyme (500 mg L−1) and lactoferrin (500 mg L−1)] and one antibiotic (ciprofloxacin at a subinhibitory concentration of 1 mg L−1) can act synergistically, thereby increasing its antimicrobial effectiveness against B. cenocepacia. However, the coaddition of DHA with these three antibacterial molecules does not act synergistically to augment their effects as anti-Burkholderia agents (results not shown).
To assess the in vivo efficacy of DHA against the Bcc, we used a G. mellonella caterpillar model of infection. We conclude that a single Carnitine dehydrogenase administration of 50 mM DHA induced protection against B. cenocepacia K56-2 infection. Additionally, treatment with DHA enhanced the immune response of the larvae, thereby suggesting an intrinsic ability of DHA to modulate the response of G. mellonella to B. cenocepacia infection (Fig. 4). Thus, our data suggest that DHA in vivo exerts both a direct antibacterial activity and an indirect effect via changes in the host immune system. In summary, our results demonstrate for the first time that the fatty acid DHA has in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity against Bcc strains. DHA has previously been administrated to humans and animal models in a wide range of daily doses. Furthermore, as reported by Calviello et al., 1997, even high doses of DHA (360 mg per kg body weight day−1) do not cause cytotoxicity or other undesirable effects. Taken together, our preliminary results demonstrate the effectiveness of DHA against B.