Effect of disulfiram (DSF) on the proliferation and growth of atypical bacteria of the genus Ureaplasma (U. urealyticum, U. parvum)

Project manager: Dr. Małgorzata Biernat - Sudolska
Implementation period: 2022 - 2023

Disulfiram (DSF) was until recently a commonly used drug in the treatment of alcohol dependence, as it is an inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of ethyl alcohol (EtOH).

Thanks to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of action of disufiram, it is now being used to treat other conditions (including cocaine addiction, melanoma) and bacterial and viral infections, such as HIV. Numerous papers point to the antimicrobial activity of DSF and the potential use of disulfiram as an antibiotic . The compound has been shown to inhibit in vitro the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 4 - 32 μg/ml, and shows synergism with vancomycin (VAN) against VAN-resistant (VRSA) strains of S. aureus. Antimicrobial activity was also found after disulfiram metabolites, including diethylcarbamate (DDTC).

Based on the literature data on the antimicrobial action of DSF, we would like to evaluate the effect of this compound on atypical bacteria, which are ureaplasmas. Ureaplasmas cause inflammation in the genitourinary tract of adults, e.g. the so-called non-gonococcal urethritis, as well as the airways of premature low birth weight infants. In their presence, the incidence of human papilloma virus infections linked to the development of cervical cancer increases significantly. Only tetracyclines, macrolides or quinolones can be used in the treatment of ureaplasma infections, as these bacteria lack a cell wall remaining insensitive to the whole range of betalactam antibiotics. Our research may contribute to the knowledge of new drugs that can be used to treat ureaplasma infections. As there are no studies to date on the effects of disulfiram on atypical bacteria, our research will be novel.