Influence of protamine on the in vitro sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antibiotics

Pharm Acta Helv. 1994 Jan;68(3):161-7. doi: 10.1016/0031-6865(94)90038-8.

Abstract

We have studied the influence of protamine on the sensitivity of three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to various antibiotics: streptomycin, gentamicin, polymyxin B, and beta-lactams. While protamine enhanced the antibacterial action of beta-lactams towards P. aeruginosa, it did not alter the effect of aminoglycosides. The antibacterial power of polymyxin B, on the other hand, was drastically reduced. The observed changes in this strain's sensitivity to antibiotics could be due to changes in the permeability of the outer membrane.

MeSH terms

  • Aminoglycosides
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Lactams
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Protamines / pharmacology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects*

Substances

  • Aminoglycosides
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Lactams
  • Protamines