Background
The high mortality associated with drug-resistant bacterial infections is an intractable clinical problem resulting from the low susceptibility of these bacteria to antibiotics and the high incidence of recurrent infections.
Conclusions
This innovative multiplex system, with superior photothermal and immunomodulatory effects, presents great potential for the treatment and prevention of drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Methods
Herein, a photosynthetic bacteria-based multiplex system (Rp@Al) composed of natural Rhodopseudomonas palustris (Rp) and Food and Drug Administration-approved aluminum (Al) adjuvant, was developed to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections and prevent their recurrence. We examined its photothermal performance and in vitro and in vivo antibacterial ability; revealed its protective immunomodulatory effect; verified its preventative effect on recurrent infections; and demonstrated the system's safety.
Results
Rp@Al exhibits excellent photothermal properties with an effective elimination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition, Rp@Al enhances dendritic cell activation and further triggers a T helper 1 (TH1)/TH2 immune response, resulting in pathogen-specific immunological memory against recurrent MRSA infection. Upon second infection, Rp@Al-treated mice show significantly lower bacterial burden, faster abscess recovery, and higher survival under near-lethal infection doses than control mice. Conclusions: This innovative multiplex system, with superior photothermal and immunomodulatory effects, presents great potential for the treatment and prevention of drug-resistant bacterial infections.