Open AccessMetastable Iron Sulfides Gram‐Dependently Counteract Resistant Gardnerella Vaginalis for Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
Author(s) -
Fang Ling,
Ma Ruonan,
Gao Xuejiao J.,
Chen Lei,
Liu Yuan,
Huo Yanwu,
Wei Taotao,
Wang Xiaonan,
Wang Qian,
Wang Haojue,
Cui Chengjun,
Shi Qifeng,
Jiang Jing,
Gao Lizeng
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202104341
Subject(s) - gardnerella vaginalis , microbiology and biotechnology , bacterial vaginosis , bacteria , biofilm , drug resistance , trichomonas vaginalis , biology , metronidazole , antibiotics , genetics
Abstract Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection found in women in the world. Due to increasing drug‐resistance of virulent pathogen such as Gardnerella vaginalis ( G. vaginalis ), more than half of BV patients suffer recurrence after antibotics treatment. Here, metastable iron sulfides (mFeS) act in a Gram‐dependent manner to kill bacteria, with the ability to counteract resistant G. vaginalis for BV treatment. With screening of iron sulfide minerals, metastable Fe 3 S 4 shows suppressive effect on bacterial growth with an order: Gram‐variable G. vaginalis >Gram‐negative bacteria>> Gram‐positive bacteria. Further studies on mechanism of action (MoA) discover that the polysulfide species released from Fe 3 S 4 selectively permeate bacteria with thin wall and subsequently interrupt energy metabolism by inhibiting glucokinase in glycolysis, and is further synergized by simultaneously released ferrous iron that induces bactericidal damage. Such multiple MoAs enable Fe 3 S 4 to counteract G. vaginalis strains with metronidazole‐resistance and persisters in biofilm or intracellular vacuole, without developing new drug resistance and killing probiotic bacteria. The Fe 3 S 4 regimens successfully ameliorate BV with resistant G. vaginalis in mouse models and eliminate pathogens from patients suffering BV. Collectively, mFeS represent an antibacterial alternative with distinct MoA able to treat challenged BV and improve women health.