Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: Antimicrobial Agents Chemotherapy, full text: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]
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Anthelmintic avermectins kill M. tuberculosis, including multidrug resistant clinical strains
Leah E. Lim 1, Catherine Vilch?ze 2, Carol Ng 1, William R. Jacobs Jr. 2, Santiago Ram?n-Garc?a 1 and Charles J. Thompson 1,?
Author Affiliations: <SUP>1</SUP> Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Life Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada; <SUP>2</SUP> Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
ABSTRACT
Avermectins are a family of macrolides known for their anthelmintic activities and traditionally believed to be inactive against all bacteria. Here we report that members of the family, ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin, are bactericidal against mycobacterial species, including multi- and extensively-drug resistant clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Avermectins are approved for clinical and veterinary uses and have documented pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. We suggest that avermectins could be repurposed for tuberculosis treatment.
FOOTNOTES
? Corresponding author. Mailing address: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada. Phone: 604-822-8094; Fax: (604) 822 6041; E-mail: ramon@mail.ubc.ca
Copyright ? 2012, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.
-Author Affiliations: <SUP>1</SUP> Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Life Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada; <SUP>2</SUP> Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
ABSTRACT
Avermectins are a family of macrolides known for their anthelmintic activities and traditionally believed to be inactive against all bacteria. Here we report that members of the family, ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin, are bactericidal against mycobacterial species, including multi- and extensively-drug resistant clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Avermectins are approved for clinical and veterinary uses and have documented pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. We suggest that avermectins could be repurposed for tuberculosis treatment.
FOOTNOTES
? Corresponding author. Mailing address: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada. Phone: 604-822-8094; Fax: (604) 822 6041; E-mail: ramon@mail.ubc.ca
Copyright ? 2012, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.
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