title: Use of quorum sensing antagonists to deter the formation of crystalline Proteus mirabilis biofilms.
abstract: Proteus mirabilis biofilms are a major cause of urinary catheter blockage. Antibiotic-impregnated catheters used to prevent catheter blockage have achieved limited success. Research has examined the efficacy of quorum sensing inhibitors against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, but there are few reports of the effects of these compounds against crystalline P. mirabilis biofilms. This study examined the effect of two quorum sensing antagonists, p-nitrophenyl glycerol (PNPG) and tannic acid, against crystalline P. mirabilis biofilms. Tannic acid and PNPG were observed to inhibit the quorum sensing system and the formation of P. mirabilis biofilms grown in artificial urine. The success of these compounds provides a possible means of preventing urinary catheter encrustation.
authors.affiliation: Biofilm Engineering Research Group, Calgary Centre for Innovation and Technology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4. jons@ucalgary.ca
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Tammy T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Dang
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Martinuzzi
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000382:microbiology; D003460:Crystallization; D006801:Humans; D009598:Nitrophenylgalactosides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011513:Proteus mirabilis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D053038:Quorum Sensing / Q000187:drug effects*; D013634:Tannins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D013634:Tannins; D009598:Nitrophenylgalactosides; C059200:4-nitrophenylgalactoside