Methods and Compositions for Treating Bacterial Infection

Researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Missouri have developed novel compounds as therapeutic agents in biofilm associated bacterial infections. Biofilm associated bacteria are particularly resistant to antibiotic treatment, and this is further complicated by the rising antibiotic resistance among Staphylococci. This chemical class of low molecular weight compounds demonstrated inhibitory effects of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation. In addition, gene expressions of a number of important virulence factors that are involved in biofilm formation at different stages were down-regulated by the lead compound. Biofilm formation on or within indwelling medical devices poses a critical problem in medical care. S. aureus and S. epidermidis cause 40-50% of prosthetic heart valve infections, 50-70% of catheter biofilm infections, and 87% of blood stream infections. Each incident can increase health care costs by $4,000-$56,000.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION:
• Prevention of S. aureus and S. epidermidis biofilm formation on indwelling medical devices including: catheters, mechanical heart valves, pacemakers, prosthetic joints, and contact lenses

MAIN ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION: • Reduces patient risk for infection • Cost effective method to reduce health care costs related to biofilm infections • Rising antibiotic resistance among Staphylococci

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT:
• Preclinical