Combating Enteric Fever: A Dual Approach with Hyalophora Cecropia Cecropins and Ciprofloxacin

The rising threat of antibiotic-resistant enteric fever pathogens has compromised treatment efficacy, necessitating innovative approaches. Ciprofloxacin's potency is threatened by resistance, while Hyalophora cecropia cecropins show promise as alternative agents. This study addresses the need for a dual approach combining cecropins with ciprofloxacin to combat enteric fever, enhancing treatment outcomes and mitigating resistance. S. enterica isolates were characterized using cultural, morphological, and biochemical tests. Molecular identification was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin and cecropins was assessed using the disc diffusion method. Three S. enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhi strains CMSCT, R192829 and WGS1146 (STCM, STRL, and STWG) were identified, exhibiting characteristic cultural, morphological, and biochemical features. Ciprofloxacin (CPX) showed inhibition zones of 15.76-19.30 mm, while cecropins (CP) showed inhibition zones of 14.50-17.90 mm. The combination of CPX and CP (CPX+CP) showed significantly higher inhibition zones (23.22-29.83 mm) compared to CPX and CP alone. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the inhibition zones. The study suggests that combining ciprofloxacin with cecropins enhances antibacterial activity against S. enterica isolates, providing a potential therapeutic approach against enteric fever. This study generates crucial insights into the antibacterial efficacy of cecropins and ciprofloxacin against S. enterica, highlighting the potential of combination therapy to combat antibiotic resistance.