Purpose: To examine the effect of crude
Polycephalomyces nipponicus
Cod-MK1201 mycelial extract
on the viability and cell surface morphology of methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA)
and methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Methods: Time-kill assays were conducted by incubating test bacteria with the extract and sampling at
selected time points within a 24 h period. The effects of the extract on MSSA and MRSA ultrastructure
were determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Results: Time-kill assay data indicate a bactericidal effect against both strains of staphylococci. The
extracts were rapidly bactericidal at concentrations of 1 x MIC and 2 x MIC, achieving complete
elimination of the test bacterial strains within 2 h. SEM micrographs of
S. aureus taken after treatment
with various concentrations of the extract revealed extensive morphological alterations to the cell
surface of both MSSA and MRSA.
Conclusion: The results confirm the antibacterial activity of
P. nipponicus Cod-MK1201 mycelial
extract. Further research may allow this to be developed as an alternative therapy to alleviate
S. aureus
infection.