Study findings from University of Minnesota, Medical Department broaden understanding of strep infection
2007 NOV 20 -- "Previously, it has been shown that the polysaccharide chitosan inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria. In this study, chitosan malate was evaluated in broth and thin-film cultures for its effect on the growth and exotoxin production of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)-inducing Staphylococcus aureus (five strains, three producing TSS toxin 1 and one each producing enterotoxin B or C) and group A streptococci (three strains producing streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A)," investigators in the United States report. "Also, the compound was evaluated in a rabbit subcutaneous Wiffle ball model for its ability to prevent S. aureus and group A streptococcal induction of TSS. Finally, chitosan malate was evaluated for its ability to prevent TSS and necrotizing fasciitis in rabbits after subcutaneous inoculation with microbes. Chitosan malate inhibited both bacterial growth and, at sub-growth-inhibitory concentrations, the production of exotoxins, in both broth and thin-film cultures. Rabbits treated with chitosan malate in implanted Wiffle balls were protected from prior challenge with TSS-inducing S. aureus compared to animals not receiving chitosan malate (P < 0.001) and group A streptococci (P < 0.005). Chitosan malate protected rabbits from the development of streptococcal TSS with necrotizing fasciitis (P < 0.01)," wrote P.M. Schlievert and colleagues, University of Minnesota, Medical Department. The researchers concluded: "The data suggest that use of this growth- and toxin-inhibitory compound may be able to reduce the severity of S. aureus and group A streptococcal mucous membrane and trauma-associated skin infections." Schlievert and colleagues published their study in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (Chitosan malate inhibits growth and exotoxin production of toxic shock syndrome-inducing Staphylococcus aureus strains and group a streptococci. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2007;51(9):3056-3062). For additional information, contact P.M. Schlievert, University of Minnesota, School Medical, Dept. of Microbiology, MMC 196, 420 Delaware St., SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. The publisher of the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy can be contacted at: American Society Microbiology, 1752 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA. Keywords: United States, Minneapolis, Strep Infection, Streptococcal, Streptococcus, University of Minnesota, Medical Department. This article was prepared by Science Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Science Letter via NewsRx.com.
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