Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 resistance to Zinc pyrithione: phenotypic changes suggest the involvement of efflux pumps

Curr Microbiol. 2009 Aug;59(2):95-100. doi: 10.1007/s00284-009-9396-9. Epub 2009 May 19.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the involvement of an efflux pump in the development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance to zinc pyrithione (ZnPT). In the presence of efflux inhibitor carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone (CCCP), the minimum inhibitory concentration of ZnPT for P. aeruginosa resistant cells is reduced significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentration of ZnPT excluded by the resistant bacteria was reduced significantly (p < 0.01). However, the above reductions did not reach the levels measured for P. aeruginosa PAO1 sensitive strain. Furthermore, such changes in P. aeruginosa resistant cells were correlated with the overexpression of outer membrane proteins, reduced sensitivity toward imipenem (p < 0.01) and increased sensitivity toward sulphatriad and chloramphenicol (p < 0.05). In a continuation to a previous study, we conclude that P. aeruginosa resistance to ZnPT is multifactorial and involves induced efflux systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Biological Transport, Active
  • Carbonyl Cyanide m-Chlorophenyl Hydrazone / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Organometallic Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects*
  • Pyridines / pharmacology*
  • Uncoupling Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Pyridines
  • Uncoupling Agents
  • Carbonyl Cyanide m-Chlorophenyl Hydrazone
  • pyrithione zinc