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[Desoxyribonuclease and lecithinase activity in antibiotic-resistant and -sensitive staphylococci]
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus, a laboratory strain 209-P and strain I isolated freshly from infected wounds, as well as lincomycin hydrochloride, ampicillin, oxacillin and methicillin manufactured in the USSR and cephaloridin manufactured by "PLIVA" in Yugoslavia were used. Various activity levels of desoxyribonuclease and lecitinase of the staphylococci depending on sensitivity or resistance of the test-microbe to the antibiotics were shown. The activity of the above microbial enzymes characterizing the pathogenic properties decreased with development of the antibiotic resistance, sometimes to complete inactivation of the enzymes synthesized by the staphylococci. In spite of closeness of their modes of action the semisynthetic penicillins had a differentiating effect on the above enzymes.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus reduces the activity of key enzymes like desoxyribonuclease and lecitinase. This study investigates how different antibiotics impact these virulence factors in resistant bacterial strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Staphylococcus aureus strains, including laboratory (209-P) and clinical isolates from infected wounds, were utilized.
- Several antibiotics were employed: lincomycin hydrochloride, ampicillin, oxacillin, methicillin (USSR), and cephaloridin (Yugoslavia).
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and the activity of its enzymes, desoxyribonuclease and lecitinase.
- To determine the differential effects of various antibiotics, particularly semisynthetic penicillins, on these staphylococcal enzymes.
Summary:
- Staphylococcal desoxyribonuclease and lecitinase activities varied based on the antibiotic sensitivity or resistance of the bacterial strains.
- Increased antibiotic resistance correlated with decreased activity of these enzymes, sometimes leading to complete inactivation.
- Semisynthetic penicillins exhibited distinct effects on enzyme activity despite similar mechanisms of action.
Impact:
- Findings highlight a link between antibiotic resistance development and reduced bacterial virulence factor expression in Staphylococcus aureus.
- Demonstrates that antibiotic choice can influence the pathogenic potential of resistant staphylococcal strains.
- Provides insights into the biochemical mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance and its effect on bacterial pathogenicity.