In patients treated with a transurethral catheter, there is often a bacterial colonization in the urine after some time. However, these bacteria can cause infections that are sometimes difficult to treat and can even be life-threatening.
John Kerr White, researcher in the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and first author, said: “Rising antibiotic resistance reduces the chance of successful treatment. , so that alternatives to traditional antibiotic treatment are an important aspect. .
Risks of a urinary catheter
One possible alternative treatment focuses on the use of antibacterial peptides, which are found naturally in the body. They have, among other things, antibacterial qualities, but the downside is their relatively short lifespan. In recent years, synthetic antimicrobial peptides have been developed to improve stability and effectiveness against bacteria, while being harmless to the body’s cells.
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Annelie Brauner’s team studied a specific synthetic antimicrobial peptide, CD4-PP, developed by the research group of Professor Ulf Göransson, University of Uppsala. In the study, the researchers examined the effects of CD4-PP on the most common strains of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, such as E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa.
Annelie Brauner, professor of clinical microbiology, in the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and lead author of the study.
CD4-PP has also been shown to have activity against biofilms, a type of mucous membrane that bacteria form, increasing their resistance to the body’s immune system as well as to antibiotics. different births. CD4-PP has been found to prevent the formation of new biofilms and also dissolve existing biofilms. The beneficial effects are further enhanced because CD4-PP also activates the immune system to protect cells against infection.
Preventing bacteria from attaching to the catheter itself is an important part of reducing the risk of infection.
“When we applied CD4-PP along with saline on the urinary catheter, we found that E. coli adhesion to the catheter decreased. Because bacterial adhesion is the first step of the infection process. infection, this effect is very important in preventing urinary tract infections, Annelie says: Brauner.
Source: Newswise
