Effect of meropenem and fluconazole combination therapy on polymicrobial biofilms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and candida albicans): an in vitro study

Mulyawan, Budi; Widodo, Agung Dwi Wahyu; Arfijanto, Muhammad Vitanata

doi:10.48309/jmpcr.2024.418008.1010

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

¹ Clinical Microbiology Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

² Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga – Dr. Soetomo Public Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia

³ Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga – Dr. Soetomo Public Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia

https://doi.org/10.48309/jmpcr.2024.418008.1010

Abstract

Polymicrobial biofilms, consisting of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, pose a significant challenge in the field of microbiology due to their antimicrobial resistance. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of combined therapy involving meropenem and fluconazole on polymicrobial biofilms formed by these two species. Employing a true experimental laboratory design with a post-test-only control group, 32 stored clinical isolates, including meropenem-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fluconazole-susceptible Candida albicans, were randomly selected. Polymicrobial biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were established using a microtiter plate biofilm assay. After 24-hour exposure to meropenem, fluconazole, or a combination of meropenem and fluconazole, the biofilms formed were stained with 0.1% crystal violet. Optical density (OD) measurements were obtained using a spectrophotometer (ELISA reader). Data analysis using parametric ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the statistical test results. Subsequent Post Hoc Test Least Significant Difference (LSD) analysis demonstrated no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the group treated with monotherapy of meropenem and fluconazole, while a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the group treated with the combination therapy. The decline in optical density observed in this study could be attributed to a reduction in the extracellular matrix of the biofilm, a decline in the number of viable microbial cells, which subsequently reduces the production of the biofilm matrix, or a combination of both factors.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Main Subjects

Microbiology

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Journal of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research

Effect of meropenem and fluconazole combination therapy on polymicrobial biofilms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and candida albicans): an in vitro study

References

References

Volume 6, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 21-31

Effect of meropenem and fluconazole combination therapy on polymicrobial biofilms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and candida albicans): an in vitro study

References

References

Volume 6, Issue 1January 2024Pages 21-31

Volume 6, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 21-31