Carbapenem-Resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>: Biofilm-Associated Genes, Biofilm-Eradication Potential of Disinfectants, and Biofilm-Inhibitory Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles

This study aimed to investigate the biofilm-production ability of carbapenem-resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> (CRAB), the biofilm-eradication potential of 70% ethanol and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, the effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against planktonic and biofilm-embedd...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Aleksandra Smitran, Bojana Lukovic, LJiljana Bozic, Dijana Jelic, Milos Jovicevic, Jovana Kabic, Dusan Kekic, Jovana Ranin, Natasa Opavski, Ina Gajic
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-01-01
Series:Microorganisms
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/1/171
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Summary:This study aimed to investigate the biofilm-production ability of carbapenem-resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> (CRAB), the biofilm-eradication potential of 70% ethanol and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, the effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against planktonic and biofilm-embedded CRAB, and the relationship between biofilm production and bacterial genotypes. A total of 111 CRAB isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm formation, presence of the genes encoding carbapenemases, and biofilm-associated virulence factors. The antibiofilm effects of disinfectants and SeNPs against CRAB isolates were also tested. The vast majority of the tested isolates were biofilm producers (91.9%). The <i>bap</i>, <i>ompA</i>, and <i>csuE</i> genes were found in 57%, 70%, and 76% of the CRAB isolates, with the <i>csuE</i> being significantly more common among biofilm producers (78.6%) compared to non-biofilm-producing CRAB (25%). The tested disinfectants showed a better antibiofilm effect on moderate and strong biofilm producers than on weak producers (<i>p</i> < 0.01). The SeNPs showed an inhibitory effect against all tested planktonic (MIC range: 0.00015 to >1.25 mg/mL) and biofilm-embedded CRAB, with a minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration of less than 0.15 mg/mL for 90% of biofilm producers. In conclusion, SeNPs might be used as promising therapeutic and medical device coating agents, thus serving as an alternative approach for the prevention of biofilm-related infections.
ISSN:2076-2607