Dataset Information

Cells released from S. epidermidis biofilms present increased antibiotic tolerance to multiple antibiotics.

ABSTRACT: Biofilm released cells (Brc) are thought to present an intermediary phenotype between biofilm and planktonic cells and this has the potential of affecting their antimicrobial tolerance.

Aim

Compare the antimicrobial tolerance profiles of Brc, planktonic or biofilm cultures of S. epidermidis.

Methodology

Planktonic, biofilm cultures or Brc from 11 isolates were exposed to peak serum concentrations (PSC) of antibiotics. The antimicrobial killing effect in the three populations was determined by CFU.

Results

Increased Brc tolerance to vancomycin, teicoplanin, rifampicin, erythromycin, and tetracycline was confirmed in model strain 9142. Furthermore, significant differences in the susceptibility of Brc to vancomycin were further found in 10 other clinical isolates.

Conclusions

Brc from distinct clinical isolates presented a decreased susceptibility to most antibiotics tested and maintained that enhanced tolerance despite growing planktonically for up to 6 h. Our data suggest that Brc maintain the typical enhanced antibiotic tolerance of biofilm populations, further suggesting that addressing antimicrobial susceptibility in planktonic cultures might not reflect the full potential of biofilm-associated bacteria to survive therapy.

SUBMITTER: Gaio V

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6525591 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Cells released from <i>S. epidermidis</i> biofilms present increased antibiotic tolerance to multiple antibiotics.

Gaio Vânia V Cerca Nuno N

PeerJ 20190515

Biofilm released cells (Brc) are thought to present an intermediary phenotype between biofilm and planktonic cells and this has the potential of affecting their antimicrobial tolerance.<h4>Aim</h4>Compare the antimicrobial tolerance profiles of Brc, planktonic or biofilm cultures of <i>S. epidermidis.</i><h4>Methodology</h4>Planktonic, biofilm cultures or Brc from 11 isolates were exposed to peak serum concentrations (PSC) of antibiotics. The antimicrobial killing effect in the three populations ...[more]

PMID: 31143534

Similar Datasets

Project description:Staphylococcus epidermidis is implicated in a multitude of human infections and is one of the major causes of clinical infections in hospitals, especially at surgical sites and on indwelling medical devices, such as orthopedic implants. These infections are especially dangerous because of the S. epidermidis propensity to form biofilms, which increases resistance to antibiotics and the natural immune response. This study investigated pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) as a potential treatment to combat such infections, as PEMF exposure was expected to disrupt the electrostatic forces that adhere staphylococcal cells to surfaces and to one another. To test the effect of PEMF on biofilms, S. epidermidis cultures were exposed to PEMF at various durations either during the growth phase or after a full biofilm had formed. In addition, cells were exposed to PEMF and concomitant antibiotic treatment. Biofilm viability was quantified by both crystal violet and alamarBlue assays and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that PEMF significantly inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted preformed biofilms in vitro while also showing synergistic biofilm inhibition when combined with antibiotics. These combined results indicate that PEMF should be considered a promising novel technique for treating S. epidermidis biofilm infections and undergo further testing in vivo. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance and biofilm infections are major issues in health care because of the lack of a successful treatment modality and poor patient outcomes. These infections are a particular issue following orthopedic surgery or trauma wherein an infection may form on an orthopedic implant or patient's bone. The presented study demonstrates that pulsed electromagnetic fields may be a promising novel treatment for such infections and can overcome the medical challenges presented by biofilm formation. Furthermore, the effects demonstrated are even greater when combining pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with traditional antibiotics.