Cell surface hydrophobicity and adherence of a strain of group B streptococci during the post-antibiotic effect of penicillin.
The minimum inhibitory concentration and post-antibiotic effects of an antimicrobial agent are parameters to be taken into consideration when determining its dosage schedules. The in vitro post-antibiotic effects on cell surface hydrophobicity and bacterial adherence were examined in one strain of group B streptococci. Exposure of the microorganism for 2 h at 37 degrees C to 1 x MIC of penicillin induced a PAE of 1.1 h. The cell surface charge of the Streptococcus was altered significantly during the post-antibiotic phase as shown by its ability to bind to xylene: hydrophobicity was decreased. Bacterial adherence to human buccal epithelial cells was also reduced. The results of the present investigation indicate that studies designed to determine therapeutic regimens should evaluate the clinical significance of aspects of bacterial physiology during the post-antibiotic period.
Araújo
Angela Maria Mendes
AM
Oliveira
Ivi Cristina Menezes de
IC
Mattos
Marcos Corrêa de
MC
Benchetrit
Leslie C
LC
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000382:microbiology*; D010406:Penicillins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*
D010406:Penicillins