Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Cystic Fibrosis Aggregate Biofilm Model to Study Infection-relevant Gene Expression
Published on: April 18, 2025
Effects of meropenem exposure in persister cells of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii
Stephanie Wagner Gallo1, Bruna Kern Donamore1, Vany Elisa Pagnussatti2
1Laboratório de Imunologia e Microbiologia, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Aim:
To evaluate the influence of meropenem in the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (ACB) persister levels.
Methods:
Persister levels in planktonic and biofilm cultures from ACB isolates were evaluated after exposure to different meropenem concentrations.
Results:
A high variability of persister fractions was observed among the isolates cultured under planktonic and biofilm conditions. Meropenem concentration did not influence persister fractions, even when far above the MIC. No correlation was found between persister levels and biofilm biomass.
Conclusion:
The magnitude of persister levels from ACB planktonic and, particularly, biofilm cultures exposed to meropenem was independent of the antibiotic concentration, dosing regimen and biofilm biomass. These findings, in a context of meropenem failure to treat chronic infections, strengthen the importance of understanding persister behavior.
Insights
Meropenem did not affect Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (ACB) persister cells in planktonic or biofilm cultures. Persister levels were independent of meropenem concentration and biofilm biomass, highlighting the need to understand persister cell behavior.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Bacterial Physiology
Background:
- Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (ACB) is an opportunistic pathogen known for its resistance to antibiotics.
- Persister cells are a subpopulation of bacteria that exhibit tolerance to antibiotics, contributing to treatment failures.
- Understanding factors influencing persister cell formation is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of meropenem on persister cell levels in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (ACB).
- To determine if meropenem concentration or biofilm formation affects ACB persister cell populations.
Main Methods:
- ACB isolates were cultured under planktonic and biofilm conditions.
- Persister levels were evaluated after exposure to varying concentrations of meropenem.
- Biofilm biomass was quantified and correlated with persister levels.
Main Results:
- A high degree of variability in persister fractions was observed across different ACB isolates and conditions.
- Meropenem concentration, even significantly above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), did not influence persister fractions.
- No correlation was found between persister cell levels and the amount of biofilm biomass.
Conclusions:
- Meropenem efficacy against ACB persister cells is independent of antibiotic concentration and biofilm biomass.
- These findings underscore the complexity of persister cell behavior in ACB and its implications for meropenem treatment failures in chronic infections.
- Further research into the mechanisms governing persister cell formation and tolerance is warranted.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...