Compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by staphylococcus aureus bacteria

Abstract

The present invention relates to antimicrobial deoxyribonuclease-based compositions that inhibit growth and proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The present invention also relates to methods of administering the compositions in the treatment and prevention of S. aureus infections. The present invention also relates to methods of administering the compositions in the eradication of S. aureus nasal carriage, in order to prevent the transmission of S. aureus bacteria

1 . A composition for preventing and/or inhibiting the growth of biofilm-embedded  S. aureus  bacteria comprising: (a) a first compound comprising a deoxyribonuclease, or an active fragment or variant thereof, that disperses a biofilm; and (b) a second compound comprising an antimicrobial agent that is active against  S. aureus  cells. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the deoxyribonuclease enzyme is deoxyribonuclease I. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the deoxyribonuclease enzyme is bovine deoxyribonuclease I. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the deoxyribonuclease enzyme is human deoxyribonuclease I. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the antimicrobial agent is a quaternary ammonium compound. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5  wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is cetylpyridinium chloride. 
     
     
         7 . A method for treating a  S. aureus  infection which comprises administering a composition comprising (a) a deoxyribonuclease enzyme, or a deoxyribonuclease fragment or variant thereof; and (b) an antimicrobial agent or mixture of antimicrobial agents.