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Lipase activity of Acinetobacter baumannii after treatment with meropenem
1Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Abstract:
The effects of meropenem (CAS 96036-03-2) at subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs; 1/4, 1/8 or 1/16 of the minimal inhibitory concentrations) on the lipase activity of 15 strains of Acinetobacter baumannii were evaluated in vitro. The lipolytic activity was demonstrated by hydrolysis of the substrate Tween 20. Meropenem at the concentrations tested affected the production of bacterial lipase. The degree of induced changes was strain and antibiotic concentration dependent. Eight strains showed an increased lipolytic activity after treatment with meropenem at all three sub-MICs tested; four strains after exposure to two concentrations, and two strains after the treatment with meropenem at one of the concentrations tested. Meropenem at all concentrations reduced the lipase activity only in one strain. In six strains the enzyme activity was decreased only after treatment with some antibiotic concentrations. The possible relevance of increased lipolytic activity in most A. baumannii strains after the effect with meropenem at subinhibitory concentrations has to be clarified by additional studies.
Insights
Meropenem at sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations altered lipase production in Acinetobacter baumannii strains. Most strains showed increased lipolytic activity, suggesting potential impacts on bacterial virulence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Bacterial lipase is a virulence factor.
- Sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentrations can affect bacterial physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of meropenem at sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) on the lipase activity of Acinetobacter baumannii.
- To determine if meropenem influences bacterial lipase production.
Main Methods:
- In vitro evaluation of lipase activity in 15 Acinetobacter baumannii strains.
- Treatment with meropenem at sub-MICs (1/4, 1/8, 1/16 of MIC).
- Lipolytic activity assessed by Tween 20 hydrolysis.
Main Results:
- Meropenem at tested sub-MICs affected bacterial lipase production in a strain- and concentration-dependent manner.
- Eight strains exhibited increased lipolytic activity across all tested meropenem concentrations.
- Only one strain showed reduced lipase activity at all concentrations; six strains showed decreased activity at some concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Sub-MIC meropenem treatment can modulate lipase activity in Acinetobacter baumannii.
- Increased lipolytic activity in most strains warrants further investigation into its clinical relevance and impact on virulence.