Mechanisms of bacterial insusceptibility to biocides.
Bacterial insusceptibility to biocides is of two types, intrinsic and acquired. Intrinsic insusceptibility is a natural property of an organism and is shown by bacterial spores, mycobacteria, and gram-negative bacilli. Cellular impermeability is a major factor, and in some cases active efflux pumps play an important role. A special example is that of phenotypic (physiological) adaptation to intrinsic resistance found in bacteria present in biofilms. Acquired resistance arises through mutation or via the acquisition of plasmids or transposons; efflux of biocide is a major mechanism, although plasmid-mediated inactivation has also been shown to occur. An additional aspect that must be considered is the stringent response elicited in bacteria on exposure to inimical agencies. There is a possible linkage between certain biocides and antibiotic resistance under experimental conditions.
Russell
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Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D006801:Humans
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents