Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potential of Toxocara canis Adult and Larval Somatic and ES Antigens Against Staphylococcus aureus , Enterococcus faecalis , Escherichia coli , and Salmonella enterica
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global threat to public health and development. The emergence of drug‐resistant pathogens compromises the effectiveness of current treatments and necessitates the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Toxocara canis adult and larval somatic and excretory‐secretory (ES) antigens against common bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus , Enterococcus faecalis , Escherichia coli , and Salmonella enterica . Methods: Adult Toxocara canis worms were collected and dissected to obtain somatic antigenic proteins. Larval somatic and ES antigenic proteins were prepared from hatched eggs. The antimicrobial activity of these antigens was evaluated using susceptibility assays and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to investigate the possible bactericidal properties in comparison with standard tetracycline antibiotics. Results: The somatic antigenic proteins of adult and larval T. canis worms and larval ES antigens showed effective antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus , but not against the other 3 bacteria. HPLC analysis suggested that the bactericidal properties of these proteins may be close to that of tetracycline antibiotics because of the similar retention time. Conclusion: The preliminary study provides evidence of the antimicrobial properties of different stages of T. canis antigens, offering potential new solutions to combat AMR. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action and assess the clinical applications of these antigenic proteins.
Source: Journal of Tropical Medicine
DOI: 10.1155/jotm/6677365
Authors: Chia-Kwung Fan, Yi-Hsuan Ma, Hon-Ian Lei, Yu-Chu Chang, Yu-Heng Chou, Chia-Mei Chou
Institutions: Taipei Medical University, Max Planck Institute for Biology
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,630
Awards: G1052468712, Construction, Expression and Therapeutic Effect of Recombinant Peptides from Toxocara Canis on Opportunistic and Multiple Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, Mechanism, Expression, Characterization and Application of Anti-Opportunistic and Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Acinetobacter Baumannii Peptides Derived from Toxocara Canis
OpenAlex ID: W4412855784