# Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potential of Toxocara canis Adult and Larval Somatic and ES Antigens Against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica

## TL;DR

This study explores how proteins from Toxocara canis worms might fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.

## Contribution

The study identifies T. canis antigens as potential new antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant pathogens.

## Key findings

- T. canis adult and larval antigens showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
- HPLC analysis indicated these proteins may have bactericidal properties similar to tetracycline antibiotics.
- No significant activity was observed against Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, or Salmonella enterica.

## Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global threat to public health and development. The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens compromises the effectiveness of current treatments and necessitates the discovery of new antimicrobial agents.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Toxocara canis adult and larval somatic and excretory-secretory (ES) antigens against common bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica.

Methods: Adult Toxocara canis worms were collected and dissected to obtain somatic antigenic proteins. Larval somatic and ES antigenic proteins were prepared from hatched eggs. The antimicrobial activity of these antigens was evaluated using susceptibility assays and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to investigate the possible bactericidal properties in comparison with standard tetracycline antibiotics.

Results: The somatic antigenic proteins of adult and larval T. canis worms and larval ES antigens showed effective antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus, but not against the other 3 bacteria. HPLC analysis suggested that the bactericidal properties of these proteins may be close to that of tetracycline antibiotics because of the similar retention time.

Conclusion: The preliminary study provides evidence of the antimicrobial properties of different stages of T. canis antigens, offering potential new solutions to combat AMR. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action and assess the clinical applications of these antigenic proteins.