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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.
Acta Microbiologica Hungarica
|January 1, 1993
Summary
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.