Effect of subinhibitory concentrations of various antimicrobials on insoluble glucan production, polystyrene adherence and bacterial surface hydrophobicity of Streptococcus sobrinus
Heredia, S.; Ramos, C.; Gómez-Lus, M.L.; Prieto, J.
Revista Espanola de Quimioterapia Publicacion Oficial de la Sociedad Espanola de Quimioterapia 12(3): 255-263
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0214-3429 PMID: 10878518 Document Number: 503302
The effect of subinhibitory concentrations (1/2, 1/4, 1/8 of the MIC) of amoxicillin, teicoplanin, clindamycin and erythromycin on the factors influencing the adherence and pathogenicity of Streptococcus sobrinus was evaluated. These factors included insoluble glucan, polystyrene adherence and bacterial surface hydrophobicity. Insoluble glucan was detected using a spectrophotometric method; polystyrene adherence was assessed using microtiter plates; and surface hydrophobicity was determined using a biphasic system (water/p-xiline). Amoxicillin and teicoplanin induced a statistically significant decrease in adherence at subinhibitory concentrations, and they also decreased the hydrophobicity. However, clindamycin and erythromycin were unable to decrease these parameters. The adherence and hydrophobicity of S. sobrinus was also dependent on the concentration of sucrose in the culture medium.