N-acetylcysteine for use as antibacterial agent

Abstract

The present invention relates to N-acetylcysteine for the use in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by a pathogen selected from Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) strains.

1 . A method of inhibiting or suppressing the growth and/or killing a susceptible strain selected from BCC and  S. maltophilia  in an with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in an individual in need thereof, said method comprising:
 administering a pharmaceutical effective amount of said NAC to said individual; and   inhibiting or suppressing the growth and/or killing said susceptible strain in said individual.   
     
     
         2 . A method of treating with NAC a bacterial infection caused by a susceptible strain of a pathogen selected from BCC and  S. maltophilia  in an individual in need thereof, said method comprising:
 administering a pharmaceutical effective amount of said NAC to said individual; and   treating said bacterial infection in said individual.   
     
     
         3 . A method of treating with NAC episodes of pulmonary exacerbations caused at least in part by a susceptible strain of a pathogen selected from BCC and  S. maltophilia , in an individual suffering of a chronic disease impacting also the lower respiratory system, said method comprising:
 administering a pharmaceutical effective amount of said NAC to said individual.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the chronic disease is cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein individuals suffering of a chronic disease are immunocompromised and/or hospitalized patients. 
     
     
         6 . A method of preventing lung colonization by in inhibiting the formation of BCC and/or  S. maltophilia  biofilms, in the individuals affected by chronic diseases impacting also the lower respiratory system, said method comprising
 administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of NAC to said individuals.   
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the chronic disease is cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.