Bactericidal and Anti-biofilm Activity of the Retinoid Compound CD437 Against Enterococcus faecalis

Abstract

<i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> (<i>E. faecalis</i>), a biofilm-forming pathogen, causes nosocomial infections. In recent years, drug resistance by enterococci has become increasingly severe due to widespread antibiotic abuse. Therefore, novel antibacterial agents are urgently needed. In this study, the synthetic retinoid compound CD437 was found to have potent bactericidal effect on <i>E. faecalis</i>. In addition, CD437 exhibited synergistic effects when administered in combination with gentamicin and additive effects when combined with ceftriaxone sodium. CD437 also inhibited biofilm formation by <i>E. faecalis</i> and exerted bactericidal effect on mature biofilm. Moreover, CD437 exhibited antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects against <i>Staphylococcus</i>. No bactericidal action of CD437 was observed against the gram-negative bacillus, but <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> biofilm extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) matrix formation was reduced. Overall, these findings indicate that CD437 has the potential to be developed as a novel antibacterial drug.