Triclosan Induces Antibiotic Resistance in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Author Information
Author(s): Hernández Alvaro, Ruiz Federico M., Romero Antonio, Martínez José L.
Primary Institution: Centro Nacional del Biotecnología, CSIC, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
Hypothesis
Does the biocide triclosan induce antibiotic resistance in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia?
Conclusion
Triclosan induces antibiotic resistance in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia by activating the expression of the multidrug efflux pump SmeDEF.
Supporting Evidence
- Triclosan binds to the SmeT repressor, preventing it from binding to DNA.
- This binding induces the expression of the SmeDEF efflux pump.
- Triclosan increases the expression of smeD by 8.7-fold.
- Triclosan exposure leads to a 2.5-fold increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin.
Takeaway
Triclosan, a common ingredient in soaps and disinfectants, can make bacteria like Stenotrophomonas maltophilia resistant to antibiotics, making it harder to treat infections.
Methodology
The study involved biochemical, functional, and structural analyses to explore the interaction between triclosan and the SmeT repressor.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on laboratory conditions, and the real-world implications of triclosan-induced resistance need further investigation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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