Synergistic activity of weak organic acids against uropathogens

Jane Burns, Colin McCoy, Nicola Irwin*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
196 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common hospital-acquired infections, with an estimated 75% of UTIs caused by urinary catheters. In addition to the significant healthcare costs and patient morbidity, the escalating antimicrobial resistance reported among common uropathogens make the investigation of efficacious new antimicrobial strategies of urgent importance.

Aim
To examine the antibacterial activity of a suite of weak organic acids (WOAs) (citric acid, malic acid, propionic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, pyruvic acid and hippuric acid), alone and in combination, against common nosocomial uropathogens (Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Methods
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC), fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values and kinetics of bactericidal activity of WOAs were determined by microdilution and time-kill assays.

Findings
All tested WOAs displayed bactericidal activities against uropathogens in their planktonic and biofilm modes of growth when used individually. Moreover, WOAs in combination displayed synergistic activity against P. mirabilis, S. aureus and E. coli, with reductions in MIC values of up to 250-fold and significant reductions in biofilm formation.

Conclusion
The synergistic multi-mechanistic combinations identified herein are anticipated to play an important role in the treatment and prevention of catheter-associated UTIs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)78-88
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Hospital Infection
Volume111
Early online date02 Feb 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 May 2021

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