Bacteriophage-Derived PeptidaseCHAPKEliminates and Prevents Staphylococcal Biofilms

[摘要] New antibacterial agents are urgently needed for the elimination of biofilm-forming bacteria that are highly resistant to traditional antimicrobial agents. Proliferation of such bacteria can lead to significant economic losses in the agri-food sector. This study demonstrates the potential of the bacteriophage-derived peptidase,CHAPK, as a biocidal agent for the rapid disruption of biofilm-forming staphylococci, commonly associated with bovine mastitis. PurifiedCHAPKapplied to biofilms ofStaphylococcus aureusDPC5246 completely eliminated the staphylococcal biofilms within 4 h. In addition,CHAPKwas able to prevent biofilm formation by this strain. TheCHAPKlysin also reducedS. aureusin a skin decolonization model. Our data demonstrates the potential ofCHAPKas a biocidal agent for prevention and treatment of biofilm-associated staphylococcal infections or as a decontaminating agent in the food and healthcare sectors.

[学科分类] 微生物学和免疫学