| abstract |
The invention relates to new uses of known chelating compounds for the treatment of bacterial in fungal infections, particularly by methicilllin-resistant and other drug-resistant strains of bacteria and fungi. One of more chelating compound is administered with or without additional antibiotic or antifungal drugs to achieve improved therapy. Preferred chelating compounds include clioquinol, 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxy-quinaldine, phanquinone, 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5,7- di-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline. By chelation of specific metal ions, these compounds treat any infection by bacteria or fungi whose pathogenicity depends upon metalloenzymes that require these cations. The compounds are also effective against infections caused by extended β lactamase and metallo β lactamase producing bacterial strains. Bacteria targeted by these methods include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , penicillin resistant or intermediate resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and other gram positive and multiresistant gram negative species and strains. |