Bacteriophage-derived peptidase CHAPK eliminates and prevents staphylococcal biofilms

Abstract

New antibacterial agents are urgently needed for the elimination of biofilm-forming bacteria that are highly resistant to traditional antimicrobial agents. Proliferation of such bacteria can lead to significant economic losses in the agri-food sector. This study demonstrates the potential of the bacteriophage-derived peptidase, CHAP K, as a biocidal agent for the rapid disruption of biofilm-forming staphylococci, commonly associated with bovine mastitis. Purified CHAP K applied to biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus DPC5246 completely eliminated the staphylococcal biofilms within 4 h. In addition, CHAP K was able to prevent biofilm formation by this strain. The CHAP K lysin also reduced S. aureus in a skin decolonization model. Our data demonstrates the potential of CHAP K as a biocidal agent for prevention and treatment of biofilm-associated staphylococcal infections or as a decontaminating agent in the food and healthcare sectors. © 2013 Mark Fenton et al.