An Urgent Need for Antibiotic Alternatives
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial species, capable of surviving in a variety of animal and plant hosts and causing opportunistic infections. Its resistance to multiple antibiotics and disinfectants makes it a significant concern in modern medicine and animal production facilities. The World Health Organization lists carbapenem resistant P. aeruginosa as one of the top three pathogens in which new antibiotics or alternative treatments are critically needed. Aside from human medicine, livestock and companion animals are known hosts for serious infections from P. aeruginosa. Notable infections include mastitis in cattle, respiratory diseases in poultry, ear infections in dogs and reproductive infections in horses (Table 1). P. aeruginosa infections in livestock have a significant economic impact due to factors like increased morbidity and mortality, reduced production yields, higher veterinary costs for treatment and the need for stricter biosecurity measures to prevent spread. Given its pathogenic potential and resistance to antibiotics, P. aeruginosa infections in livestock require effective preventive measures and targeted therapeutic strategies to minimize economic losses and animal health impacts.
Table 1. List of diseases caused by P. aeruginosa in various hosts
Pyocyanin, a Key Virulence Factor
One of the crucial toxins produced by P. aeruginosa is pyocyanin. It is a phenazine compound known for its role as a virulence factor, contributing to the pathogenicity of the bacteria. Pyocyanin generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage host cells by disrupting cellular functions, impairing immune responses, and inducing oxidative stress. It also interferes with cellular respiration and signaling pathways. Pyocyanin is notable for its characteristic color and is often used as a diagnostic marker for P. aeruginosa infections. Its ability to modulate the host immune system and disrupt cellular functions makes it a key target for research on antibacterial strategies and therapeutic interventions.
Fig. 1 | Pyocyanin is a nitrogen-containing aromatic metabolite. The color of pyocyanin is blue-greenish at the neutral and alkaline pH levels and that changes to purple-red in acidic conditions. It has a low molecular weight, which enables easy biological membrane permeation.
A proven toxin binder
Calibrin®-Z is backed by over 15 years of research, proven to bind bacterial pathogens and their toxins, as well as mycotoxins, protecting production animals from a broad spectrum of biotoxins that reduce performance and cause morbidity or mortality. A one-ingredient feed additive, Calibrin-Z is made from our selectively sourced calcium montmorillonite with opal-CT lepispheres that undergoes proprietary thermal processing to promote the binding of multiple biotoxins in the intestine. Calibrin-Z’s ability to rapidly bind this broad spectrum of toxins sets it apart from others in its class.
During research to determine if Calibrin-Z would rapidly target pyocyanin, two pyocyanin solutions were used. As shown in Figure 2, the pyocyanin solution is purple/red at pH 3 and blue at pH 7. Granules of Calibrin-Z were added into each solution. Then the samples were mixed briefly by vortexing. When minerals settled on the bottom, the pyocyanin solution looked clear suggesting the removal of pyocyanin from water solution. The fact that Calibrin-Z neutralized pyocyanin demonstrates its speed and effectiveness toward harmful toxins.
Commercial Farms Recognize the Proven Benefits of Calibrin®-Z
Calibrin-Z offers the critical advantage of rapid toxin binding, helping prevent harmful biotoxins from being absorbed into the bloodstream—something that can happen within minutes of ingestion. Once toxins enter the bloodstream, they can causesystemic damage and disease, significantly reducing animal performance while also compromising the safety of meat, milk, and eggs. By using a proven toxin binder like Calibrin-Z, producers can help protect both animal health and food security. Backed by numerous commercial case studies, Calibrin-Z consistently delivers results, making it a reliable solution for both poultry and livestock production.
To begin your own Calibrin-Z trial, or for more information about the benefits of using Calibrin-Z for biotoxin control, contact us at info@amlan.com.
References:
Wang, D. and H. Xue. 2021. Clay mineral-based treatments in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection control. United States Patent Application. Application No.: 17/504,338
