Typhimurium led to 40% and 60% survival, respectively, compared to 100% mortality of larvae infected with either pathogen, but without prior DMG administration. Inoculation of Galleria mellonella (wax moth) larvae with DMG prior to injection of either MDR K. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, we were able to detect DMG in the livers of DMG-(orally) treated mice. Pathogen colonization numbers from livers and spleens of mice were 10- fold reduced by DMG treatment of the Salmonella-infected mice. Typhimurium led to a 50% survival rate, while 100% of infected mice in the no-DMG control group succumbed to salmonellosis. Oral delivery of nontoxic levels of DMG to mice previously inoculated with S. DMG inhibited activity of two Ni-containing enzymes, Salmonella hydrogenase and Klebsiella urease.

Addition of DMG at millimolar levels has a bacteriostatic effect on some enteric pathogens, including multidrug resistant (MDR) strains of Salmonella Typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The nickel (Ni)-specific chelator dimethylglyoxime (DMG) has been used for many years to detect, quantitate or decrease Ni levels in various environments.