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Abnormal forms of bacteria produced by antibiotics
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|November 1, 1975
Summary
Subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations create unusual bacterial forms in vitro, mimicking those seen in patients. These aberrant forms, like filaments and giants, can alter species identification and signal prior antibiotic exposure.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations can induce morphological changes in bacteria.
- These in vitro changes may resemble forms observed in clinical specimens from treated patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro morphological effects of subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations on various bacterial species.
- To compare these induced aberrant forms with those seen in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Eight bacterial species were cultured on agar with subinhibitory concentrations of nine different antibiotics.
- Organisms were analyzed using Gram staining and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Observed aberrant forms included filamentous and granular enterobacteria with bipolar staining, giant staphylococci, and rodlike pneumococci.
- Electron microscopy revealed alterations in enterobacterial ribosome distribution and coccal septum abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations induce significant morphological variations in bacteria.
- These aberrant forms can be mistaken for different species and may indicate prior antibiotic exposure at infection sites.