Investigations into the therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides: applications for treating topical Staphylococcus aureus infections

Abstract

In this study, resistance towards antimicrobial peptides developed rapidly in MRSA, but resistance was mitigated by controlling the environment in which the cells are treated. Resistance was not stable in a population and seemed to sensitise some cells to certain antibiotics. Antibacterial peptides enhanced the bactericidal effectiveness of an antibacterial gauze when used in tandem with a wetting agent and lysozyme. Results from this study suggest antibacterial peptides may have clinical applications as topical therapeutics.