ABSTRACT
Aim: To evaluate the inhibition of efflux pumps by using promethazine (PMZ) as a strategy to control Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC). Materials & methods: The susceptibility of FSSC strains to PMZ and the interaction between PMZ and antifungals were evaluated. The efflux pump activity was confirmed by flow cytometry with rhodamine 6G. Finally, PMZ was tested against FSSC biofilms. Results: PMZ inhibited FSSC planktonic growth and showed synergism with antifungals. PMZ reduced R6G efflux and inhibited cell adhesion, impaired the development of biofilms and disrupted mature biofilms. PMZ-challenged biofilms showed increased sensitivity to amphotericin B. Conclusion: The study provides indirect evidence of the occurrence of efflux pumps in FSSC and opens a perspective for this target in the control of fusariosis.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Biofilms/drug effects , Fungal Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Fusarium/drug effects , Fusarium/growth & development , Promethazine/pharmacology , Amphotericin B/pharmacology , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Drug Synergism , Humans , Membrane Transport Proteins , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Voriconazole/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Aim: This study proposes the impregnation of Foley catheters with chlorpromazine (CPZ) to control biofilm formation by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Materials & methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for CPZ and the effect of CPZ on biofilm formation were assessed. Afterward, biofilm formation and the effect of ciprofloxacin and meropenem (at MIC) on mature biofilms grown on CPZ-impregnated catheters were evaluated. Results: CPZ MIC range was 39.06-625 mg/l. CPZ significantly reduced (p < 0.05) biofilm formation in vitro and on impregnated catheters. In addition, CPZ-impregnation potentiated the antibiofilm activity of ciprofloxacin and meropenem. Conclusion: These findings bring perspectives for the use of CPZ as an adjuvant for preventing and treating catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/administration & dosage , Biofilms/drug effects , Catheter-Related Infections/prevention & control , Chlorpromazine/administration & dosage , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/prevention & control , Urinary Catheterization/methods , Urinary Tract Infections/prevention & control , Biofilms/growth & development , Escherichia coli/drug effects , Escherichia coli/growth & development , Humans , Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects , Klebsiella pneumoniae/growth & development , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Proteus mirabilis/drug effects , Proteus mirabilis/growth & developmentABSTRACT
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on growth and melanin production by Cryptococcus spp. Materials & methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole against Cryptococcus spp. were determined and the effect of PPIs on melanin production was evaluated, in the presence or absence of copper sulfate or glutathione. Results: PPIs showed MICs ranging from 125-1000 µg/ml and decreased melanization by Cryptococcus cells. Addition of copper sulfate or gluthatione restored melanogenesis of cells grown in the presence of PPIs. The presence of PPIs and glyphosate decreased copper sulfate toxicity (1 mM). Conclusion: PPIs inhibited melanogenesis of Cryptococcus spp., possibly by chelating copper or inhibiting copper ATPase transport.