Tackling Bacterial Resistance with Advanced Antibiofilm Enzymes
Antibiotic resistance has become a critical challenge in both human and animal healthcare. According to the World Health Organization, “antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these antibiotics.” This means it’s not the human or animal that becomes resistant—it’s the bacteria. Over time, these antibiotic-resistant bacteria can infect both humans and pets, causing infections that are far more difficult to treat than those caused by non-resistant strains.
One of the primary reasons for antibiotic resistance is the misuse or overuse of antibiotics, which allows bacteria to adapt and outsmart the medications meant to destroy them. In many cases, bacteria form protective biofilms—a complex structure that shields them from antibiotics. That’s where the Biofilm Reducing Complex in ZYMOX® PLUS Otic comes in. This advanced formula is designed to break down biofilms, disrupt bacterial defenses, and metabolize their components, providing a powerful solution to persistent infections.
What is Biofilm and Why Does It Matter?
Biofilm is a slimy matrix made up of polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and proteins, created by microorganisms to protect their DNA. Essentially, it’s a shield that allows bacteria to hide and survive even after an infection appears to be resolved. This is a major reason why some ear infections in pets seem to keep coming back. The biofilm makes these infections incredibly resistant to antibiotics—up to 100 times more resistant than non-biofilm infections.
Even if antibiotic treatments seem to work initially, bacteria can remain hidden within the biofilm, waiting for favorable conditions to multiply and cause reinfection. Because biofilm plays such a crucial role in bacterial resistance, tackling it head-on is key to resolving chronic infections in pets.
Disrupting Biofilm with Powerful Enzymes
To effectively manage biofilm-producing bacteria, ZYMOX® PLUS Otic incorporates a blend of biofilm-reducing enzymes alongside the LP3 Enzyme System. This advanced formula is specifically designed to not only break through the biofilm but also destroy the bacteria and fungi within it. The Biofilm Reducing Complex includes four powerful enzymes that each play a critical role in this process:
- Mutanase: Works by degrading β-1,3-glucan into glucose, making it water-soluble and disrupting the structural integrity of the biofilm.
- Dextranase: Catalyzes the breakdown of α-1,6 glucosidic linkages in dextran, damaging the biofilm’s matrix and helping to expose the bacteria within.
- Cellulase: A key component in breaking down cellulose, which is commonly found in biofilms. Cellulase has been proven to reduce biofilm formation, particularly for pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Beta Glucanase: Plays a significant role in fighting fungal infections, such as Candida. This enzyme breaks down beta-glucan, a key element of fungal biofilms, making the infection more susceptible to antifungal treatments.
By incorporating these enzymes into its formula, ZYMOX® PLUS Otic effectively disrupts and dissolves biofilm, allowing for deep penetration of the LP3 Enzyme System to target and eliminate bacteria and fungi.
A Two-Step Approach: Biofilm Removal and Antimicrobial Defense
Breaking down biofilm is only part of the solution. To fully resolve the infection, the bacteria and fungi hiding within the biofilm need to be inhibited and destroyed. That’s why ZYMOX® PLUS Otic combines the power of the LP3 Enzyme System with the Biofilm Reducing Complex. Together, they provide a two-step solution:
- Disrupt the Biofilm: The enzymes in the Biofilm Reducing Complex weaken and dissolve the biofilm, exposing the harmful microbes beneath.
- Antimicrobial Action: Once exposed, the bacteria and fungi are vulnerable to the LP3 Enzyme System, which works to eliminate them through natural, non-toxic means.
This dual-action formula not only fights bacterial and fungal infections but also prevents biofilm from forming again, making it an ideal long-term solution for persistent ear infections and other biofilm-related conditions in pets.
By focusing on breaking down the biofilm that shields antibiotic-resistant bacteria, ZYMOX® PLUS Otic offers a more effective treatment option than traditional antibiotics alone. With its powerful enzyme blend and LP3 Enzyme System, it provides long-lasting relief for pets while minimizing the risk of bacterial resistance.