Exploring microalgal lipids as anti-virulent agents targeting MDR Vibrio cholerae infection A Step Toward Developing Herbal Oral Rehydration Salt Formulations

Author : Nikita Vadadoriy, Abdul Nasir, Ramalingam Dineshkumar, Neeraj Khatri, Sachin Raut, Saumya Ray Chaudhuri, Shruti Chatterjee, Soumya Haldar

Abstract : Cholera, a life-threatening diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, remains a major global health issue. Rising antibiotic resistance, especially in developing countries, poses a significant threat to effective treatment. Novel anti-virulence strategies can address this gap. Our study investigated the potential antivirulent effect of Chlorella variabilis (CV) and Chlorococcum sp. (CCM) microalgae to inhibit cholera toxin (CT) production.Using a multidrug-resistant V. cholerae strain (SRK-19), lipid extracts and crude freeze-dried biomass were tested in vitro for their effects on CT production via ELISA and bacterial viability. For in vivo validation, rabbit ileal loop assay was performed to measure the fluid accumulation (FA) ratio, colony-forming units (CFU), and CT levels. Results indicated that both lipid extracts and crude biomass significantly reduced CT production in a dose-dependent manner, with CV and CCM biomass achieving reductions of over 90% in vitro and 70% in vivo. Crucially, the in vivo study demonstrated reduced FA ratios without affecting bacterial growth, indicating that bacterial viability was uncompromised. These findings provide a compelling proof of concept that extracts from CV and CCM possess potent anti-virulence activity without promoting antimicrobial resistance, supporting the development of microalgae-based oral rehydration formulations as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotic therapy

Keywords : Cholera Toxin, Microalgae, Antibiotic Resistance, In-Vivo Study, Anti-Virulence

Conference Name : National Conference on BioTechnology and BioMedicines (NCBB-26)

Conference Place : Ahmedabad, India

Conference Date : 23rd May 2026