Membrane disruption and anti-quorum sensing effects of synergistic interaction between Lavandula angustifolia (lavender oil) in combination with antibiotic against plasmid-conferred multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the mode of action of the lavender essential oil (LV) on antimicrobial activity against multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli J53 R1 when used singly and in combination with piperacillin.


RESULTS
In the time-kill analysis, a complete killing of bacteria was observed based on colony counts within 4 h when LV was combined with piperacillin during exposure at determined FIC concentrations. Analysis of the membrane permeabilizing effects of LV on treated cultures through their stability against sodium dodecyl sulphate revealed that the LV played a role in disrupting the bacterial cell membrane. The finding is further supported by scanning electron microscopy analysis and zeta potential measurement. In addition, reduction in light production expression of E. coli [pSB1075] by the LV showed the presence of potential quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicated that the LV has the potential to reverse bacterial resistance to piperacillin in E. coli J53 R1. It may operate via two mechanisms: alteration of outer membrane permeability and inhibition of bacterial QS.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings offer a novel approach to develop a new option of phytopharmaceuticals against multi-drug-resistant E. coli.
School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
P S X
PS
Yap
T
T
Krishnan
B C
BC
Yiap
C P
CP
Hu
K-G
KG
Chan
S H E
SH
Lim
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000187:drug effects; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure; D027523:Lavandula; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010957:Plasmids / Q000235:genetics; D053038:Quorum Sensing / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils; C045718:lavender oil
Lavandula angustifolia; antibacterial activity; chemical composition; essential oil; membrane permeability; quorum sensing