Antifungal effect of Gatifloxacin and copper ions combination

Abstract

It is a well-known fact that to bring a new molecule it may take more than a decade. The existing drugs, which are known for their adverse reaction or toxicity, if utilized and allowed in different formulation, the new effective formulation may be discovered and developed. This may help in reducing various side effects, time and costs. In this study, fungal infection was inoculated superficially over the skin of guinea pigs and treated with the broad-spectrum antimicrobial (gatifloxacin) in combination with non-toxic and effective amount of copper ions. MIC of copper (0.20%) was also determined. Concentration of gatifloxacin (100 μg ml(-1)) with the combination of copper ions (MIC) at which it inhibits the visible growth of fungal strains was also evaluated. Hematological parameters, such as total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count, were evaluated. The results have shown increase in these parameters after fungal infection, which reaches its normal value after treatment with the combination of gatifloxacin and copper ions. Outcomes of the research concluded that gatifloxacin 100 μg ml(-1) can be used by 0.20% of copper ions to prevent growth of some fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger), which causes skin infections with more potency.

Metals to combat antimicrobial resistance

“…Similar mechanisms of action have been proposed for the two metals. Copper, similar to silver, has been tested in combination with antibiotics and has shown synergy with the antifungal agent gatifloxacin 145 and the antitubercular drugs capreomycin 146 and disulfiram 147 ; for disulfiram, no other bivalent transition metals (for example, Fe 2+ , Ni 2+ , Mn 2+ and Co 2+ ) were effective. One study has shown that the bacterial toxicity of copper may be related to its effects on the stability of folded proteins — both increased and decreased — with proteins involved with the ribosome and protein biosynthesis, and cell-redox homeostasis particularly affected 148 .…”

Survival in amoeba—a major selection pressure on the presence of bacterial copper and zinc resistance determinants? Identification of a “copper pathogenicity island”

“…Recently, Festa et al have published a novel approach that allows accumulation of copper in pathogen cells without activating its Cu-resistant mechanisms and significantly increases selectivity of the treatment (Festa et al 2014). In other strategies, Cu(II) ions have been either utilized as carriers for known antibiotics, allowing them to bypass existing efflux-mediated resistance to drugs (Manning et al 2014;Lopes et al 2013;Shams et al 2014), or as chelators that upon binding to a ligand, change its conformation to the Bactive^mode (Haeili et al 2014). Several potent copper chelators with activity against MRSA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains have been identified through drug screening assays specifically designed for identification of copper-dependent antimicrobial compounds (Speer et al 2013) with, potentially, more discoveries on the way.…”

Recent developments in nanotechnology transforming the agricultural sector: a transition replete with opportunities

“…Copper nanoparticles showed a strong antifungal effect against agriculturally important fungal phytopathogens, like Curvularia lunata , Alternaria alternate , Fusarium oxysporum and Phoma destructive , . However, there must be clarity about whether the copper is present in an ionic or nanoparticulate form, as this can impact the control of several bacterial and fungal pathogens , . Moreover, the health consequences of consuming residual copper ions and colloid forms of copper from agricultural produce are unknown , .…”

“…152,153 However, there must be clarity about whether the copper is present in an ionic or nanoparticulate form, as this can impact the control of several bacterial and fungal pathogens. 154,155 Moreover, the health consequences of consuming residual copper ions and colloid forms of copper from agricultural produce are unknown. 156,157 Various metal-based nanomaterials can be possibly used for plant disease management using efficient crop protection practices, particularly to avoid the agricultural losses posed by fungal and bacterial pathogens.…”