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Published on: January 1, 2016
Low concentrations of antimicrobial agents and their effects on bacterial virulence: A comprehensive literature
Eda Delik1, Burcu Emine Tefon-Öztürk1
1Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye.
Abstract:
It is now a well-known fact that antibiotic resistance in bacteria has increased with the widespread and uncontrolled use of antibiotics. However, the increase in antibiotic resistance should not be attributed solely to the use of antibiotics. Other antimicrobial agents used in the control of bacterial infections and even heavy metals are also among the factors causing an increase in antibiotic resistance. It is therefore important to study the effects of these agents on bacterial cells. It is generally believed that the selection of resistance typically occurs at high concentrations of antibiotics. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates that selection can also occur at sub-inhibitory levels, making it essential to better understand their impact. While most studies have focused on antibiotics, fewer have examined the influence of biocides, heavy metals, and bioactive components. In this review, we discuss how low concentrations of these agents not only contribute to the development of resistance but also modulate bacterial virulence by affecting biofilm formation, siderophore production, cell morphology, and gene expression. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted, highlighting both the potential risks of these agents in resistance development and their implications for bacterial virulence in the future.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance is rising due to more than just antibiotics. Low concentrations of biocides and heavy metals also drive resistance and affect bacterial virulence, necessitating further study.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat.
- Factors beyond antibiotics, including biocides and heavy metals, contribute to resistance.
- Resistance selection can occur at sub-inhibitory concentrations, requiring further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of non-antibiotic agents on bacterial resistance.
- To explore how biocides, heavy metals, and bioactive components influence bacterial virulence.
- To highlight the risks associated with low-concentration exposures to these agents.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of existing studies.
- Analysis of research on antimicrobial agents, heavy metals, and bioactive components.
- Synthesis of findings on resistance development and virulence modulation.
Main Results:
- Sub-inhibitory concentrations of various agents promote antibiotic resistance.
- These agents can alter bacterial virulence factors like biofilm formation and gene expression.
- Evidence suggests a link between non-antibiotic agents and increased bacterial pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Non-antibiotic agents are significant contributors to antimicrobial resistance.
- Understanding their effects on bacterial virulence is crucial for future public health strategies.
- Further research is needed to mitigate the risks posed by these widespread environmental contaminants.
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