Clarithromycin and Hyalophora cecropia Cecropins: A Combined Strategy against Enteric Fever Pathogens

Abstract

The growing menace of antibiotic-resistant enteric fever pathogens has undermined treatment effectiveness, demanding novel solutions. Clarithromycin's efficacy is jeopardized by resistance, whereas Hyalophora cecropia cecropins offer promising alternatives. This research tackles the imperative for a synergistic approach, harnessing clarithromycin and cecropins to counter enteric fever, boost treatment success, and curb resistance.S. enterica isolates were characterized using cultural, morphological, and biochemical tests. Molecular identification was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The antibacterial activity of clarithromycin and cecropins was assessed using the disc diffusion method. Three S. enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhi strains CMSCT, R192829 and WGS1146 (STCM, STRL, and STWG) were identified, exhibiting characteristic cultural, morphological, and biochemical features. Clarithromycin showed inhibition zones of 16.46-19.90 mm, while cecropins showed inhibition zones of 14.50-17.90 mm. The combination of clarithromycin and cecropins (CLA+CP) showed significantly higher inhibition zones (25.12-29.93 mm) compared to CLA and CP alone (p < 0.01). The study suggests that combining clarithromycin with cecropins enhances antibacterial activity against S. enterica isolates, providing a potential therapeutic approach against enteric fever. This study generates crucial insights into the antibacterial efficacy of clarithromycin and cecropins against S. enterica, highlighting the potential of combination therapy to combat antibiotic resistance.