Advancements in MRSA Treatment: the Role of Berberine in Enhancing Antibiotic Therapy

Overview

Journal BMC Microbiol

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2024 Dec 28

PMID 39731013

Authors

Fangfang Zhou

Xuemei Gu

Wei Wang

Ming Lin

Lei Wang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant public health problem. This study investigated the antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of berberine (BBR), a plant alkaloid, against MRSA, evaluating its potential to enhance antibiotic therapy.

Results: Berberine only demonstrated variable but significant inhibitory effects on 50 clinical MRSA strains. When combined with antibiotics, synergistic effects were observed only with amikacin in 6 of the 50 MRSA strains. BBR disrupted MRSA cell wall integrity, leading to leakage of cellular contents. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that BBR targets multiple pathways essential for bacterial survival.

Conclusion: The study confirmed the potent antimicrobial activity of berberine against MRSA and its capability to act synergistically with traditional antibiotics. Berberine's impact on cell wall integrity and bacterial survival pathways highlights its potential as an adjunct therapy in MRSA treatment.

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