Abstract
Biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis is mediated by icaADBC-dependent and -independent pathways. Subinhibitory concentrations of erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin enhanced, in a dose-dependent manner, the level of biofilm formation by 20% (21/105 isolates) by macrolide-resistant ica-positive and -negative isolates tested in vitro. The presence of ica, however, apparently produced an enhanced effect on biofilm formation. The levels of expression of the biofilm-related genes icaA, atlE, fruA, pyrR, sarA, and sigB were increased in response to erythromycin. The results likely underscore the potential clinical relevance of macrolide-induced biofilm growth.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
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Base Sequence
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Biofilms / drug effects*
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Biofilms / growth & development*
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DNA Primers / genetics
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Erythromycin / administration & dosage
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Gene Expression / drug effects
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Genes, Bacterial*
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Humans
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In Vitro Techniques
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Macrolides / administration & dosage*
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Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy*
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Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*
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Staphylococcus epidermidis / drug effects*
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Staphylococcus epidermidis / genetics*
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Staphylococcus epidermidis / isolation & purification
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Staphylococcus epidermidis / physiology
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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DNA Primers
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Macrolides
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Erythromycin