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Multiple effects of promethazine in Staphylococcus aureus
J Molnár1, N Bathó, J E Kristiansen
1Institute of Microbiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi University Medical School, Szeged, Hungary.
Abstract:
The antibiotic resistance of 6 Staphylococcus aureus strains was eliminated with a frequency from 1.2 to 10% in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of promethazine. The pigment production of the cells was also eliminated by the promethazine to an extent of 0 to 5%. The cell size was increased and the protein A production was markedly decreased in S. aureus cells cultured in the presence of promethazine. Complex formation between protein A and promethazine was detected by differential spectrophotometry. The biological activity of staphylococcus protein A was abolished by promethazine in the passive haemagglutination of rabbit antiserum treated sheep red blood cells. Evidence has been found that plasmid-encoded functions of S. aureus cells can be altered in the presence of promethazine, and the chromosomally controlled synthesis of protein A, one of the weakest virulence factor of S. aureus is also lowered by promethazine.
Insights
Promethazine reduces Staphylococcus aureus antibiotic resistance and virulence. This study found promethazine lowered resistance, pigment production, and Protein A levels in S. aureus.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen.
- Antibiotic resistance in S. aureus is a growing concern.
- Virulence factors contribute to S. aureus pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of promethazine on Staphylococcus aureus.
- To assess promethazine's impact on antibiotic resistance and virulence factors.
Main Methods:
- Testing antibiotic resistance of S. aureus strains with subinhibitory concentrations of promethazine.
- Measuring pigment production and cell size.
- Analyzing Protein A production and its biological activity using spectrophotometry and passive haemagglutination.
- Investigating alterations in plasmid-encoded functions and chromosomal synthesis.
Main Results:
- Promethazine reduced antibiotic resistance in S. aureus strains (1.2-10%).
- Pigment production decreased (0-5%), cell size increased, and Protein A production was significantly lowered.
- Complex formation between Protein A and promethazine was observed, abolishing Protein A's biological activity.
- Promethazine altered plasmid-encoded functions and lowered chromosomally controlled Protein A synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Promethazine exhibits potential in combating Staphylococcus aureus infections.
- Promethazine can modulate antibiotic resistance and reduce key virulence factors like Protein A.
- Further research into promethazine as an anti-staphylococcal agent is warranted.