June 04, 2026
Teshome Belachew Eshete at ASM Microbe 2026
Accepted abstract title
Targeting ocular WHO priority multidrug and extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens by combining conventional antimicrobials with membrane-active peptides
A brief description of the poster
This study aimed to evaluate whether membrane-active peptides, including Mel4 and colistin, can enhance the activity of conventional antimicrobials against multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative ocular pathogens. Using clinically relevant ocular isolates, including P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and K. pneumoniae, we assessed antimicrobial activity against planktonic and biofilm-associated bacteria, as well as mammalian cell cytotoxicity and hemolysis.
Our findings show that many isolates exhibited high-level resistance to conventional antibiotics when used alone. However, combining membrane-active peptides with antibiotics, particularly ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, or meropenem, markedly improved antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, reduced effective MIC values, and maintained good selectivity toward bacterial cells with minimal mammalian toxicity. These results suggest that membrane-disrupting peptides may restore or potentiate the activity of existing antibiotics against difficult-to-treat ocular pathogens.
A short reflection on the conference experience
Glad to be presenting some of my PhD research at ASM Microbe 2026 in Washington, D.C., USA. I would like to sincerely thank my supervisors, Professor Mark Willcox, Professor Naresh Kumar, and Dr. Shyam Kumar Mishra, for their tremendous guidance, encouragement, and support throughout this work.
Attending ASM Microbe 2026 was an inspiring and rewarding experience. It provided me with the opportunity to engage with leading researchers, learn about the latest advancements in microbiology and antimicrobial research, and gain valuable insights into emerging scientific challenges and innovations. Presenting my research and discussing it with experts from diverse backgrounds enhanced my understanding of my field and provided constructive feedback that will help strengthen my future work.
I am also grateful to Dr. Umme Laila Urmi for her support during the session and, of course, for the coffee!
