Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of the disease melioidosis, which is prevalent in tropical countries and is intractable to a number of antibiotics. In this study, the antibiotic co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) was assessed for the post-exposure prophylaxis of experimental infection in mice with B. pseudomallei and its close phylogenetic relative Burkholderia mallei, the causative agent of glanders. Co-trimoxazole was effective against an inhalational infection with B. pseudomallei or B. mallei. However, oral co-trimoxazole delivered twice daily did not eradicate infection when administered from 6h post exposure for 14 days or 21 days, since infected and antibiotic-treated mice succumbed to infection following relapse or immunosuppression. These data highlight the utility of co-trimoxazole for prophylaxis both of B. pseudomallei and B. mallei and the need for new approaches for the treatment of persistent bacterial infection.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2013.02.007

Type

Journal

International journal of antimicrobial agents

Publication Date

06/2013

Volume

41

Pages

552 - 557

Addresses

Biomedical Sciences Department, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ, UK.

Keywords

Animals, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Mice, Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Glanders, Melioidosis, Disease Models, Animal, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Combination, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Treatment Outcome, Chemoprevention, Administration, Oral, Inhalation Exposure, Female, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis