Antibacterial activity of disulfiram and its metabolites

Journal of Applied Microbiology
Keely R FrazierTimothy E Long

Abstract

Disulfiram (Antabuse™) and its metabolites formed in vivo were evaluated as antibacterial agents against thirty species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The synergistic potential of disulfiram (DSF) and metabolite diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) with approved antibiotics were also compared by isobologram (checkerboard) analysis. Standard microdilution susceptibility testing showed that most DSF metabolites did not possess appreciable antibacterial activity except for DDTC in Bacillus anthracis. Checkerboard studies revealed similarities between the combination drug effects of DSF and DDTC with standard antibiotics. It was concluded from the susceptibility data that the metabolites would not extend the antibacterial spectrum of DSF in vivo. The data also suggest that the DDTC by-product of DSF metabolism potentiates the antibacterial activity of DSF as both a standalone and combination agent. The study provides a greater understanding of the antibacterial effects of Antabuse and its metabolites. This research also demonstrates the potential application of DSF as an antibiotic adjuvant for the treatment of resistant staph infections.

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Citations

Nov 19, 2019·Frontiers in Pharmacology·Ruo-Yue HuangHualin Fu
Feb 14, 2021·Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research·Chao LiTian Lan
Mar 30, 2021·Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·Debbie-Ann ShirleyShannon Moonah
May 11, 2021·European Journal of Pharmacology·Patrycja KleczkowskaMalgorzata Zaremba
May 21, 2021·Infection and Drug Resistance·Tomomi KobatakeKenji Yokota
Jun 29, 2021·Frontiers in Pharmacology·Federico SerralDarío Fernández Do Porto

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