Antibacterial activity and mechanism of naphthoquine phosphate against ceftazidime-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii via cell membrane disruption and ROS Induction (PRJCA043937)

Currently, drug-resistant bacteria, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii, pose a substantial threat to global human health. In response, the urgent need for new antibacterial therapies has driven the exploration of drug reuse as a key strategy for drug development.We report that naphthoquine phosphate (NQP), an antimalarial drug, exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity particular against Acinetobacter baumannii LAC-4.In the experiment, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of NQP to be 62.5 ?g/mL, and its inhibition kinetics curve demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect.Our cell membrane permeability tests revealed that NQP disrupts the integrity of the cell membrane, enhancing its permeability. Furthermore, oxidative damage testing indicated that NQP impacts the metabolic processes within bacteria.