Activity of an antimicrobial peptide (FNDR-01) against predominant strains of staphylococci and Escherichia coli associated with bovine mastitis

Bovine mastitis is the most widespread and important disease of dairy animals, affecting the economy of farmers and, ultimately, the economy of the country. Various treatment options are available but rapidly growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the major setback. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as promising antibiotic alternatives, due to their differential modes of action. In the present study the antibacterial activity of an antimicrobial peptide (FNDR-01) was determined against different bacterial isolates causing mastitis in bovines. The peptide (FNDR-01) showed a spectrum of antibacterial activity. Among 37 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolates, 54% (20/37) were sensitive with complete inhibition of growth and 45.9% of isolates were found to be resistant to FNDR-01. While amongst 10 Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) isolates, 2 isolates exhibited sensitivity, and 8 isolates exhibited resistance. All 20 E. coli isolates exhibited resistance to FNDR-01, indicating the ineffectiveness of FNDR-01 against Gram-negative bacteria.