Bacteroides Fragilis Infection

Bacteroides fragilis is a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that is part of the normal human microbiome. Our company, a leading research service provider in the field, offers cutting-edge Bacteroides fragilis infection vaccine and therapy development services to combat this challenging pathogen.

Overview of Bacteroides Fragilis Infection

Bacteroides fragilis is a highly versatile bacterium that can act as a commensal organism or an opportunistic pathogen. As a commensal, it contributes to the normal functioning of the human gut microbiome. However, when the balance of the gut microbiota is disrupted or the immune system is compromised, B. fragilis can cause infections. ETBF, in particular, is known to produce a toxin called fragilysin, which can lead to diarrhea, and inflammation, and potentially contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.

Pathogenesis of Bacteroides Fragilis Infection

The pathogenesis of Bacteroides fragilis infection, especially ETBF, is complex and multifactorial. The fragilysin toxin produced by ETBF has been found to cleave E-cadherin, leading to increased levels of free catenins in the cytosol. This, in turn, activates the Tcf-dependent β-catenin nuclear signaling pathway, which can result in oncogenic transformations in intestinal cells. The ability of ETBF to cause diarrhea and inflammation further underscores its pathogenic potential.

Fig. 1 Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) infection enhances colonic tumorigenesis in the AOM/DSS model. (Hwang S., et al., 2020)

Vaccine Development for Bacteroides Fragilis Infection

Vaccines aim to stimulate the immune system to recognize and mount an effective response against B. fragilis, preventing its colonization and subsequent infection. There have been advancements in understanding the immunogenic components of B. fragilis, particularly the polysaccharide capsule.

The polysaccharide capsule of B. fragilis is a major target for vaccine development. Studies have shown that antibodies against the capsule can confer protection against B. fragilis infection. Researchers have identified specific capsular polysaccharide antigens, such as PSA (polysaccharide A), which have shown promise as vaccine candidates.

Therapeutics Development for Bacteroides Fragilis Infection

Metronidazole, an antibiotic with activity against anaerobic bacteria, including B. fragilis, is often the first-line therapeutic for B. fragilis infections. In cases where metronidazole resistance is observed or when alternative therapeutic options are required, other antibiotics may be considered. Cefoxitin, moxifloxacin, clindamycin, piperacillin/tazobactam, meropenem, and tazobactam/ceftolozane have demonstrated varying levels of susceptibility against B. fragilis. These antibiotics provide alternative therapeutics, especially in cases of resistance or complicated infections involving Bacteroides fragilis.

Furthermore, the development of novel antibiotics and therapeutic strategies is ongoing to address the challenges associated with Bacteroides fragilis infection. Our company is actively engaged in research and development efforts to identify new drug targets and therapeutic approaches for the effective therapeutics of B. fragilis infections.

Therapeutic Development

Preclinical Research

Pathogen and Host Research

Disease Model Development

Our Services

At our company, we offer comprehensive Bacteroides Fragilis Infection vaccine and therapy development services to address the urgent need for effective interventions against this challenging pathogen. Our team of highly skilled scientists and researchers utilizes state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge methodologies to accelerate the development of vaccines and therapies.

Vaccine Development

• Live-attenuated Vaccine
• Inactivated Vaccine
• Toxoid Vaccine
• Viral Vector Vaccine
• Virus-like Particles Vaccine
• Protein Subunit Vaccine
• mRNA Vaccine
• DNA Vaccine

Therapeutic Development

• Small Molecule Drug Development Services
• Therapeutic mRNA Development Services
• Therapeutic Antibody Development Services
• Cell Therapy Development Services

Infectious Disease Models

• Bacteroides Fragilis Infection Models
  Through various administration methods, such as oral gavage or rectal administration, Bacteroides fragilis strains can be introduced into the mice, simulating the infection process.
• AOM/DSS Mouse Models
• APC^Min/+ Mouse Models

Preclinical research plays a vital role in the development of Bacteroides fragilis infection vaccines and therapies. Our company offers comprehensive preclinical research services, including in vitro assays, animal studies, and toxicology evaluations. If our services have piqued your interest, we warmly welcome you to reach out to us for further information and obtain a detailed quotation for the services you require.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.