Lysophosphatidylcholine potentiates anti-bacterial 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 non-bactericidal 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 the regulator of protein-folding, DnaK. Polymyxin B-LPC combination may be an effective and a safer regimen against drug resistant bacteria.