The antimicrobial effect of colistin methanesulfonate (polymyxin E) on Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro

Abstract

Polymyxins have previously been described to have activity against M. tuberculosis (M. tb), but further research was abandoned due to systemic toxicity concerns to achieve the required MIC. Colistin methanesulfonate (CMS), a polymyxin, is well tolerated when inhaled directly into the lungs, resulting in high local concentrations. Reported here for the first time are the MIC and MBC data for CMS, CST and PST determined by the microtiter Alamar Blue® assay (MABA) against H37Ra and multi-drug-resistant (MDR) M. tb. Additionally determined is how the MIC of CMS would be affected by the presence of pulmonary surfactant (PS) and if any synergy with isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) exists. The effect of CMS on the ultrastructure of M. tb was also determined. MICs for CMS, CST and PST were determined to be too high for systemic use. CMS can, however, be administered by inhalation allowing for high local concentrations with reduced systemic toxicity. The MIC for CMS was antagonised eight fold in PS. For synergy, indifference was determined for both H37Ra and MDR M. tb. Time-kill assays revealed a bactericidal killing effect when CMS was used together with INH against H37Ra M. tb while no enhanced effect of CMS with INH or RIF was observed against MDR M. tb. The resistant effects caused by rpoB and katG mutations could not be overcome. With regard to H37Ra M. tb, ultrastructure analysis suggests that the disruption of the capsule layer (CL) and cytoplasmic membrane (CM) by CMS may enhance the uptake of INH. These findings may provide insight for further investigations of CMS against M. tb.