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Outer membrane alterations in multiresistant mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa selected by ciprofloxacin
N J Legakis1, L S Tzouvelekis, A Makris
1Department of Microbiology, School of Health Sciences, Goudi, Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Spontaneous mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa selected by ciprofloxacin were studied for outer membrane alterations. Acquisition of ciprofloxacin resistance was at least partially related to defects in lipopolysaccharide synthesis. When ciprofloxacin resistance was combined with resistance to beta-lactams and aminoglycosides, several alterations in outer membrane proteins were noted.
Insights
Ciprofloxacin resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is linked to lipopolysaccharide synthesis defects. Combined resistance to multiple antibiotics reveals outer membrane protein alterations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial genetics
- Drug resistance
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen known for its intrinsic and acquired resistance to antibiotics.
- Outer membrane alterations, particularly in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane proteins (OMPs), are common mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria.
- Ciprofloxacin, a fluorofluoroquinolone antibiotic, targets DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the outer membrane changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutants selected for ciprofloxacin resistance.
- To determine the relationship between ciprofloxacin resistance and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis.
- To examine outer membrane protein (OMP) alterations in strains exhibiting combined resistance to ciprofloxacin, beta-lactams, and aminoglycosides.
Main Methods:
- Selection of spontaneous ciprofloxacin-resistant mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Analysis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis in resistant mutants.
- Outer membrane protein (OMP) profiling using techniques such as SDS-PAGE.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous acquisition of ciprofloxacin resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was associated with defects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis.
- Mutants with combined resistance to ciprofloxacin, beta-lactams, and aminoglycosides exhibited significant alterations in their outer membrane protein (OMP) profiles.
- These findings suggest a multifactorial basis for multidrug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Conclusions:
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis defects play a role in the development of ciprofloxacin resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- The emergence of multidrug resistance, involving ciprofloxacin, beta-lactams, and aminoglycosides, is accompanied by substantial changes in outer membrane proteins (OMPs).
- Understanding these outer membrane alterations is crucial for developing strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.