Glycolipoprotein G-90 obtained from the earthworm Eisenia foetida exerts antibacterial activity.

Abstract

G-90 is a glycolipoprotein mixture obtained from the tissue homogenate of earthworm Eisenia foetida (Annelida, Lumbricidae) which exhibits pleiotropic biological functions. The antibacterial activity of G-90 was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Concentrations of 10 ng/mL and 10 µg/mL of G-90 exhibited an inhibitory effect on in vitro growth of non-pathogenic and facultative-pathogenic bacteria. The bacteriostatic effect of the G-90 was 21% stronger for facultative-pathogenic bacteria than that observed for non-pathogenic bacteria. The analysis of CFU/mL values following swabbing of surgical wounds in mice demonstrated that G-90 used in either 10 ng/mL or 10 µg/mL concentrations inhibited in vivo growth of the bacteria obtained from these wounds. The antibacterial activity of G-90, as well as the biological characteristics exhibited by the preparation, may be of interest for clinical investigations in veterinary and human medicine.