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Ampicillin-induced morphological alterations of Haemophilus influenzae type b
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|March 1, 1977
Abstract:
Inhibitory levels of ampicillin induced filamentation of growing Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 19418 within 30 min. Filaments became swollen and interrupted by regular periodic saccular outpouchings along the major axis. The degree of filamentation was dependent upon ampicillin concentration and time.
Insights
Inhibitory ampicillin concentrations caused growing Haemophilus influenzae to form filaments within 30 minutes. This filamentation, characterized by swelling and outpouchings, depended on ampicillin dose and exposure time.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Antibiotic resistance
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding bacterial responses to antibiotics is crucial for treatment strategies.
- Ampicillin is a commonly used beta-lactam antibiotic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological effects of sub-inhibitory ampicillin concentrations on Haemophilus influenzae.
- To characterize the filamentation response induced by ampicillin.
Main Methods:
- Growing cultures of Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 19418 were exposed to varying concentrations of ampicillin.
- Microscopic examination was performed to observe cellular morphology over time.
Main Results:
- Inhibitory levels of ampicillin induced significant filamentation in Haemophilus influenzae within 30 minutes.
- The induced filaments exhibited swelling and regular, periodic saccular outpouchings.
- The extent of filamentation was directly correlated with ampicillin concentration and duration of exposure.
Conclusions:
- Ampicillin at inhibitory concentrations induces a distinct filamentation phenotype in Haemophilus influenzae.
- This morphological change is a concentration- and time-dependent response.
- Further research may explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of this ampicillin-induced filamentation.