Netilmicin influences siderophores production and iron receptor expression in Escherichia coli

This study investigated the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of netilmicin on the phenolate (enterochelin), hydroxamate (aerobactin) and total siderophores production and on the 81-kDa and 74-kDa receptors expression in Escherichia coli. Netilmicin at 1/40 MIC reduces total siderophores by 40%; the cathecols by 50% and the hydroxamate by 80%. Concomitant with siderophores reduction, the antibiotic induces the upregulation of the 81-kDa protein receptor. Both effects reduce the ability of the bacterium to survive in the host.