Renee Fleeman, a researcher at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, is focused on combating drug-resistant bacteria. In a recent study published in Cell Reports Physical Science, Fleeman identified an antimicrobial peptide from cows that has the potential to treat infections caused by the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium, typically harmless when found in the intestines, can become dangerous when it spreads to other parts of the body, causing infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. Those most at risk include seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, kidney failure, and liver disease. However, even younger adults and healthy individuals can acquire infections from K. pneumoniae that are resistant to current antibiotics.
According to the CDC, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing global health threat. A 2019 study revealed that nearly 5 million people worldwide died that year from drug-resistant infections, with a significant number of these deaths attributed to K. pneumoniae, which has a 50% mortality rate without antibiotic therapy. These bacteria are particularly resistant to drugs when they form biofilms, which are communities of microorganisms enclosed in a protective slime. Studies have shown that 60-80% of infections are linked to bacterial biofilms, which enhance their resistance to antibiotics. Fleeman’s research focuses on breaking through this protective slime barrier to expose the bacteria and enable the body’s immune system or alternative treatments to eradicate them.
Fleeman’s research discovered that the peptides produced by cows can effectively kill K. pneumoniae by interacting with sugar connections that maintain the integrity of the slime barrier. By disrupting these connections, the peptides can penetrate the biofilm and destroy the bacteria that were previously shielded. The polyproline peptide identified in the study has shown promising results, breaking down the slime barrier within an hour of treatment and outperforming antibiotics typically used as a last resort for treating drug-resistant infections. Peptides eliminate bacteria by creating pores in their cell membranes, leading to rapid cell death compared to traditional antibiotics that inhibit growth from within the cell.
In addition to its efficacy against drug-resistant bacteria, the peptide could have broad applications, including topical treatments for wounds, particularly in military settings where quick action is crucial due to the rapid division of bacteria. Fleeman’s research, supported by a National Institutes of Health funding Pathway to Independence R00 grant, aims to delve deeper into the biological mechanisms underlying the peptide’s effectiveness and explore potential combinations with other drugs to enhance its therapeutic potential. With antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections projected to become the leading cause of human deaths by 2050, continued research into alternative treatments like antimicrobial peptides is essential to address this looming health crisis.
Overall, Fleeman’s work highlights the urgent need to develop novel strategies for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections as traditional antibiotics become increasingly ineffective. By uncovering the potential of peptides to penetrate protective biofilms and eliminate bacteria that are resistant to current treatments, Fleeman’s research offers hope for addressing the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance. As she continues her investigations, Fleeman is committed to preparing for a future where common antibiotics may no longer be effective, jeopardizing critical medical interventions and advancements that rely on effective antibiotic therapies. Through her innovative approach, Fleeman is paving the way for new treatments that could revolutionize the battle against drug-resistant bacteria and safeguard public health in the years to come.
