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D‐cycloserine or similar physiochemical compounds may be uniquely suited for use in B acillus anthracis spore decontamination strategies
Author(s) -
Omotade T.O.,
Heffron J.D.,
Klimko C.P.,
Marchand C.L.,
Miller L.L.,
Halasahoris S.A.,
Bozue J.A.,
Welkos S.L.,
Cote C.K.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/jam.12322
Subject(s) - bacillus anthracis , spore , microbiology and biotechnology , germination , biology , bacillus thuringiensis , spore germination , endospore , bacillus (shape) , human decontamination , bacteria , botany , medicine , genetics , pathology
Aims As observed in the aftermath of the anthrax attacks of 2001, decontamination and remediation of a site contaminated by the accidental or intentional release of B acillus anthracis spores is difficult, costly and potentially damaging to the environment. The identification of novel strategies that neutralize the threat of spores while minimizing environmental damage remains a high priority. We investigated the efficacy of d ‐cycloserine ( DCS ), an antibiotic and inhibitor of the spore‐associated enzyme (alanine racemase) responsible for converting l ‐alanine to d ‐alanine, as a spore germination enhancer and antimicrobial agent. Methods and Results We characterized the impact of DCS exposure on both germinating spores and vegetative cells of fully virulent B . anthracis by evaluating spore germination kinetics, determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) required to affect growth of the bacteria and performing macrophage viability assays. DCS enhanced germination induced by l ‐alanine and also efficiently killed the newly germinated spores. Furthermore, DCS proved nontoxic to macrophages at concentrations that provided protection from the killing effects of spores. Similar tests were conducted with B acillus thuringiensis (subspecies kurstaki and A l H akam ) to determine its potential as a possible surrogate for B . anthracis field trials. Bacillus thuringiensis spores responded in a similar manner to B . anthracis spores when exposed to DCS . Conclusions These results further support that DCS augments the germination response of spores in the presence of l ‐alanine but also reveal that DCS is bactericidal towards germinating spores. Significance and Impact of the Study DCS (or similar compounds) may be uniquely suited for use as part of decontamination strategies by augmenting the induction of spore germination and then rendering the germinated spores nonviable.