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Hexachlorophene. Secondary microorganism resistance to hexachlorophene. Conjugative transfer inhibition by the
Abstract:
Strain resistance of the genus Escherichia, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas to hexachlorophene is inducible. Secondary resistance of the Gram-negative microorganisms to hexachlorophene is an inherited property of these strains. There are not any explicit differences of primary sensitivity to hexachlorophene between sensitive strains and those resistant to antibiotics. The secondary resistance level of Gram-negative microorganisms to hexachlorophene is also not dependent on the natural resistance (or sensitivity) of strains to antibiotics. Hexachlorophene, in concentration of 10 micrograms/ml of conjugation mixture, causes 100% inhibition of the conjugation transfer of the resistance determinants to antibiotics from tested strains with conjugative R-plasmid. The indirect secondary resistance conjugation transfer to hexachlorophene was verified in two cases. The resistance to hexachlorophene was transferred, coupled with resistance to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and streptomycin, from the Escherichia coli strains (No. 8) and Salmonella typhimurium (No. 4) to the recipient Escherichia coli strain K 12, SZK-Ec-329/74 (No. 2).
Insights
Gram-negative bacteria can develop inducible resistance to hexachlorophene, which can be transferred between strains. This acquired resistance is not linked to existing antibiotic resistance levels.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hexachlorophene is an antimicrobial agent.
- Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the mechanisms of resistance transfer is crucial for controlling infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inducibility and transferability of hexachlorophene resistance in Gram-negative bacteria.
- To determine the relationship between hexachlorophene resistance and antibiotic resistance.
- To examine the effect of hexachlorophene on the transfer of antibiotic resistance determinants.
Main Methods:
- Induction of hexachlorophene resistance in Escherichia, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas strains.
- Conjugation experiments to assess the transfer of resistance determinants.
- Testing the sensitivity of strains to hexachlorophene and various antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Hexachlorophene resistance in the studied Gram-negative bacteria is inducible and heritable.
- No significant difference in primary hexachlorophene sensitivity was observed between antibiotic-sensitive and resistant strains.
- Hexachlorophene at 10 µg/ml completely inhibited the transfer of antibiotic resistance (R-plasmid) determinants.
- Secondary hexachlorophene resistance was transferred along with chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and streptomycin resistance in two instances.
Conclusions:
- Hexachlorophene resistance can be acquired and transferred among Gram-negative bacteria.
- The acquisition of hexachlorophene resistance is independent of pre-existing antibiotic resistance.
- Hexachlorophene can interfere with the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.