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Alterations in surface hydrophobicity of Acinetobacter baumannii induced by meropenem
1Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Six strains of Acinetobacter baumannii out of eleven strains tested revealed a strong hydrophobic character. This was demonstrated by adherence of bacteria to xylene in the range of 90-94%. Changes in surface hydrophobicity of these strains were studied after treatment with meropenem at subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) (1/4, 1/8, 1/16 or 1/32 of the MICs). All strains showed a reduced adherence to xylene after the action of meropenem at 1/4 or 1/16 of the MICs. Hydrophobicity of the treated bacteria was decreased to 1.3-70% (1/16 of the MICs) or to 12-86% (1/4 of the MICs), depending on the strain. A decrease in surface hydrophobicity of three strains was also observed after their exposure to meropenem at 1/8 of the MICs (to 18-71% of the control values). Meropenem at 1/32 of the MICs practically did not affect bacterial hydrophobic properties, with the exception of one strain.
Insights
Sub-inhibitory concentrations of meropenem reduce the surface hydrophobicity of Acinetobacter baumannii. This finding is crucial for understanding antibiotic resistance mechanisms and developing new treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Antibiotic Resistance
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen known for its increasing antibiotic resistance.
- Bacterial surface hydrophobicity plays a role in adhesion and biofilm formation, contributing to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of meropenem on the surface hydrophobicity of Acinetobacter baumannii strains.
- To determine the dose-dependent impact of meropenem on bacterial surface properties.
Main Methods:
- Six strains of Acinetobacter baumannii exhibiting strong hydrophobicity were selected.
- Bacterial adherence to xylene was measured before and after treatment with meropenem at various sub-inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs).
Main Results:
- Meropenem treatment at 1/4 and 1/16 of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) significantly reduced bacterial adherence to xylene.
- A decrease in surface hydrophobicity was observed in most strains at 1/4, 1/16, and for some strains at 1/8 MIC.
- Meropenem at 1/32 MIC had minimal impact on hydrophobicity, except for one strain.
Conclusions:
- Sub-MIC concentrations of meropenem can alter the surface hydrophobicity of Acinetobacter baumannii.
- This alteration in hydrophobicity may have implications for bacterial adhesion and pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to explore the clinical relevance of these findings in antibiotic treatment.