Lysophosphatidylcholine Potentiates Antibacterial Activity of Polymyxin B

Polymyxin B, used to treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, produces nephrotoxicity at its current dosage. We show that a combination of nonbactericidal concentration of this drug and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) potently inhibits growth of Salmonella and at least two other Gram-negative bacteria in vitro. This combination makes bacterial membrane porous and causes degradation of DnaK, the regulator of protein folding. Polymyxin B-LPC combination may be an effective and safer regimen against drug-resistant bacteria.