Fig. 6: HS(Naeg)₂₀ displayed in vivo antibacterial efficacy without toxicity in the mouse peritonitis model.

Bacteria suspension was i.p. injected and treatments were administered i.p. at 1 h post infection including, saline, HS(Naeg)₂₀ (20 mg/kg), and vancomycin (20 mg/kg). For infections caused by S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus, immunosuppressed mice were used. a–c Survival rates (7 days) of mice in the peritonitis model induced by MRSA, S. epidermidis, and S. haemolyticus, respectively. n = 6 (six mice in each treatment group in three types of bacterial infection models). d–f CFU of bacteria in different organs, blood, and IP fluid in the peritonitis model induced by MRSA, S. epidermidis, and S. haemolyticus, respectively. n = 6 (six mice in each treatment group in three types of bacterial infection models). g Blood biochemical analysis at 2 and 7 days post treatment with HS(Naeg)₂₀. The untreated mice served as a blank control (n = 5 mice per group). Data are presented as mean ± SD. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001; n.s. (not significant) represents P > 0.05 (Student’s t test).