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Myrtenol Inhibits Biofilm Formation and Virulence in the Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: Insights into the

Lei Liu1,2, Bin Liu1,2, Liang Li1,2

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China.

Infection and Drug Resistance
|September 9, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Myrtenol effectively inhibits biofilm formation and virulence in blaNDM-1-producing Acinetobacter baumannii (BP-AB) by down-regulating key genes. This natural compound also enhances antibiotic susceptibility, offering a potential strategy against resistant nosocomial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • blaNDM-1-producing Acinetobacter baumannii (BP-AB) is a significant cause of nosocomial infections.
  • Biofilm formation and virulence factors contribute to BP-AB's resistance.
  • Myrtenol's efficacy against BP-AB biofilm and virulence was previously unconfirmed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of myrtenol in inhibiting biofilm formation in BP-AB.
  • To assess myrtenol's impact on BP-AB virulence factors.
  • To determine if myrtenol can re-sensitize BP-AB to antibiotics.

Main Methods:

  • BP-AB strains were treated with varying concentrations of myrtenol.
  • Biofilm inhibition was assessed using crystal violet staining and microscopy.
  • Gene expression analysis (qPCR) was performed for biofilm-related genes (bfmR, bap, csuA/B, ompA).
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted post-myrtenol treatment.

Main Results:

  • Myrtenol significantly inhibited BP-AB biofilm formation at concentrations of 200 μg/mL and above.
  • Microscopy confirmed reduced biofilm biomass, surface area, and thickness.
  • Myrtenol down-regulated bfmR, bap, csuA/B, and ompA gene expression.
  • Myrtenol treatment enhanced BP-AB susceptibility to several antibiotics.

Conclusions:

  • Myrtenol effectively attenuates BP-AB biofilm formation and virulence.
  • The mechanism involves suppressing bfmR, bap, csuA/B, and ompA expression.
  • Myrtenol shows potential as an adjuvant therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant BP-AB infections.
Keywords:
Acinetobacter baumanniibiofilmmyrtenolresistancevirulence factors

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