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Published on: October 9, 2016
Subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics affect development and parameters of Helicobacter pylori biofilm
Paweł Krzyżek1, Paweł Migdał2, Kaja Tusiewicz3
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
Introduction:
Helicobacter pylori causes chronic gastric diseases in nearly 50% of people around the world. It is suggested that biofilm formation has a pronounced effect on the dynamic resistance spread and recurrence of these infections.
Methods:
To mimic the scenario of therapeutic ineffectiveness, we investigated the impact of sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of antibiotics on the development and parameters of biofilms produced by clinical H. pylori strains.
Results:
We observed that constant exposure of planktonic forms to metronidazole or levofloxacin stimulated the speed of autoaggregation and the amount of extracellular matrix, resulting in increased dimensions of the developed biofilms. Contrary to this, continuous exposure to clarithromycin negatively affected a number of biofilm-related reactions and led to the biofilm-weakening effect. Through assessing the membrane fatty acid profiles of antibiotic-exposed cells, we confirmed that metronidazole and levofloxacin induced a biofilm-like phenotype, while clarithromycin kept bacteria in a planktonic form.
Discussion:
Our results suggest that sub-MICs of antibiotics affect the biochemical and biophysical properties of the developing biofilm of H. pylori strains and may impact the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment.
Insights
Sub-lethal antibiotic concentrations impact Helicobacter pylori biofilm formation. Metronidazole and levofloxacin promote biofilm development, while clarithromycin hinders it, potentially affecting treatment outcomes for H. pylori infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Resistance
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori infection affects nearly 50% of the global population, causing chronic gastric diseases.
- Biofilm formation by H. pylori is implicated in treatment resistance and infection recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of antibiotics on H. pylori biofilm development.
- To understand how sub-MIC antibiotic exposure influences biofilm characteristics and bacterial phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Clinical H. pylori strains were exposed to sub-MICs of metronidazole, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin.
- Biofilm parameters, including autoaggregation, extracellular matrix production, and biofilm dimensions, were assessed.
- Membrane fatty acid profiles of antibiotic-exposed bacteria were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Metronidazole and levofloxacin exposure increased autoaggregation, extracellular matrix, and biofilm dimensions.
- Clarithromycin exposure negatively impacted biofilm formation, leading to a biofilm-weakening effect.
- Metronidazole and levofloxacin induced a biofilm-like phenotype, whereas clarithromycin maintained a planktonic form.
Conclusions:
- Sub-MIC antibiotics significantly alter the biochemical and biophysical properties of H. pylori biofilms.
- These effects may influence the efficacy of antibiotic treatments for H. pylori infections.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies against H. pylori.
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