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Effect of Meropenem, Sulbactam, and Colistin Combinations on Resistance Gene Expression in Multidrug-Resistant A.

José Emigdio Moreno1,2, Jordi Querol-Audi3,4, Ariel Magallón Tejada5

  • 1Doctorate in Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama.

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 28, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Combinations of colistin, meropenem, and sulbactam can reduce multidrug resistance gene expression in Acinetobacter baumannii. This suggests potential for high-dose combination therapy to combat resistant infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is a growing global health concern.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of resistance is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro effects of colistin, meropenem, and sulbactam combinations on the expression of multidrug resistance genes in Acinetobacter baumannii.
  • To evaluate the synergistic and bactericidal potential of these antibiotic combinations.

Main Methods:

  • Three multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains were used.
  • Methods included Vitek 2 identification, broth microdilution, time-kill curves, and quantitative PCR for gene expression analysis.

Main Results:

  • Colistin-meropenem demonstrated synergistic effects in all strains and bactericidal activity.
  • Colistin-meropenem and meropenem-sulbactam combinations reduced blaADC and blaOXA-51 gene expression.
  • All tested combinations reduced adeB expression, while omp33-36 expression varied.

Conclusions:

  • Rational antibiotic combinations can modulate gene expression and aid in controlling multidrug-resistant strains.
  • High-dose combination therapy with sulbactam and colistin may enhance efficacy against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
Keywords:
Acinetobacter baumanniiantibiotic susceptibilitygene expressionkill-curve assay

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