The effects of combined biocides and quorum sensing inhibitors against uropathogenic E. coli

Kelly Capper-Parkin (Sheffield Hallam University, UK)

14:50 - 15:00 Wednesday 13 July Afternoon

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Session overview

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are a significant healthcare burden. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are a major causative pathogen of CAUTI, often forming mature biofilms on the catheter surface that are recalcitrant to antibiotics leading to resistant infections. The development of biocide containing anti-infective catheter coatings would be advantageous in combatting CAUTI however this remains challenging due to the emergence of biocide resistant bacteria and biocide cytotoxicity. This work aimed to i) characterise the combined antimicrobial activity of biocides and quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) against UPEC biofilms ii) Determine the cytotoxicity of combinations against mammalian cell-lines; and iii) evaluate the release of these agents from a silicon-alkoxide sol-gel based coating to be applied to urinary catheters. Potential synergistic antimicrobial interactions between biocides and QSIs were determined for eight strains of UPEC in a checkerboard assay format. Fractional inhibitory concentration index values were calculated and used to interpret synergistic or antagonistic interactions. MTT assays were used to assess the cytotoxicity of combinations. Elution of the agents from the sol-gel coating were quantified by mass spectrometry Combinations of the biocides PHMB, BAC and silver nitrate showed synergistic activity when in combination with the QSIs cinnamaldehyde and furanone C-30 against UPEC biofilms. Combinations were often antagonistic with regards to cytotoxic activity against L929 mouse fibroblast cells. All agents eluted at a rapid rate initially before slowing to a sustained level. Biocides and QSIs show synergistic antibiofilm potential whilst displaying reduced cytotoxicity when combined indicating their potential as anti-infective coating agents for urinary catheters.

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