Repurposing Avermectins and Milbemycins against Mycobacteroides abscessus and Other Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasing worldwide, resulting in a new global health concern. NTM treatment is complex and requires combinations of several drugs for lengthy periods. In spite this, disease often associated with poor outcomes. The anti-parasitic family macrocyclic lactones (ML) (divided two subfamilies: avermectins milbemycins) was previously described as having activity against mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, ulcerans, marinum, among others. Here, we aimed to characterize the vitro anti-mycobacterial ML wide range species, Mycobacteroides abscessus. For Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values eight were determined 80 strains belonging nine different species. Macrocyclic showed variable ranges that compound species-dependent. Milbemycin oxime most active compound, displaying broad-spectrum MIC lower than 8 mg/L. Time kill assays confirmed data bactericidal sterilizing some compounds. available many formulations have been extensively used veterinary human medicine suitable pharmacokinetics safety properties. This information could be exploited explore repurposing anti-helminthics therapy.