Vibrio cholerae virulence is blocked by chitosan oligosaccharide-mediated inhibition of ChsR activity

This work introduces a promising anti-virulence strategy for cholera control that does not rely on antibiotics. Specifically, we demonstrate that chitosan oligosaccharide (COS)—a naturally derived, FDA-approved, and widely available biopolymer—can significantly reduce intestinal colonization and disease severity in Vibrio cholerae infections.

Through in vivo mouse models, we show that oral administration of COS, particularly when delivered via sodium alginate microspheres (CNMs), effectively suppresses cholera toxin production and bacterial virulence. Importantly, this approach does not inhibit bacterial survival, thereby potentially minimizing the risk of antimicrobial resistance development.

These findings highlight the potential of COS as:

A low-cost, orally administered adjunct therapy to current cholera treatments such as oral rehydration solution;

A preventive intervention in endemic areas, especially during seasonal outbreaks;

A viable candidate for non-antibiotic-based cholera control, aligning with GTFCC’s goals of sustainability and innovation.

We believe this study may offer valuable insight into the development of complementary, accessible, and resistance-sparing strategies for cholera prevention and treatment.

Our recent study published in Nature Microbiology is titled “Vibrio cholerae virulence is blocked by chitosan oligosaccharide-mediated inhibition of ChsR activity” (2024.9(11):2909-2922; DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01823-6).

This work reveals the potential application of Chitosan Oligosaccharide in the prevention and treatment of Cholera