Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Animal Biosciences & Biotechnology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #220609
Title: The phage K lytic enzyme LysK and Lysostaphin are synergistic against MRSA.

Author
item Becker, Stephen
item Donovan, David
item Foster Frey, Juli

Submitted to: FEMS Microbiology Letters
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/18/2008
Publication Date: 10/1/2008
Citation: Becker, S., Donovan, D.M., Foster-Frye, J. 2008. The phage K lytic enzyme LysK and Lysostaphin act synergistically to kill MRSA. FEMS Microbiology Letter. 287(2):185-91.

Interpretive Summary: Staphylococcal pathogens contribute to a wide variety of human and livestock diseases. The routine use of antibiotics to battle these pathogens has produced a new class of superbug, multi-drug resistant staphylococci. To treat these pathogens, there is a need for new antimicrobials. LysK is a staphylococcal bacteriophage endolysin from the staphylococcal phage K. LysK is a peptidoglycan hydrolase enzyme that can lyse many staphylococcal strains and is a potent antimicrobial against S. aureus including MRSA. Lysostaphin is a bacteriocin secreted by S. simulans to kill S. aureus, and has been shown to also be a potent antimicrobial for many antibiotic resistant strains of S. aureus. This study describes optimal reaction conditions for a recombinant His-tagged LysK, compares its MIC and antimicrobial activity to lysostaphin and demonstrates synergy when the two enzymes are used in combination against the MRSA USA300. In this era of superbugs, a new strategy to cure MRSA infections could have far reaching implications for both animal and human health.

Technical Abstract: Multi-drug resistant superbugs are a persistent problem in modern health care. LysK is a staphylococcal bacteriophage endolysin from the phage K. It is a peptidoglycan hydrolase enzyme that can lyse many staphylococcal strains and thus is a potent antimicrobial against S. aureus including MRSA. Lysostaphin is a bacteriocin secreted by S. simulans to kill S. aureus, and has been shown to also be a potent antimicrobial for many antibiotic resistant strains of S. aureus. This study describes optimal reaction conditions for a recombinant His-tagged LysK, compares its MIC and antimicrobial activity to lysostaphin and demonstrates synergy when the two are used in combination against the MRSA USA300.