2658-6533Research Results in Biomedicine2658-653310.18413/2658-6533-2026-12-2-0-64156Pharmacology<strong>Pre-treated <em>Enterococcus faecalis</em> with Sub-inhibitory concentrations of Cefepime Modulate Biofilm Formation and Adhesion <em>in vitro</em></strong><strong>Pre-treated <em>Enterococcus faecalis</em> with Sub-inhibitory concentrations of Cefepime Modulate Biofilm Formation and Adhesion <em>in vitro</em></strong>ShnyoorHwazen A.ShnyoorHwazen A.shnyoorhwazen@gmail.comZgairAyaid K.ZgairAyaid K.ayaid.zgair@sc.uobaghdad.edu.iq202612200

Background: Modifying biofilm formation and adhesion could aid in developing treatments for infectious diseases caused by Enterococcus faecalis, a multidrug-resistant bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The aim of the study: To investigate the effect of cefepime sub-inhibitory concentrations on the biofilm production and adhesion of E. faecalis. Materials and methods: Seventy-three urine specimens were collected from inpatients with UTIs to isolate E. faecalis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cefepime were determined to assess the susceptibility of ten E. faecalis isolates. Biofilm formation to polystyrene and adhesion to human oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs) in vitro was measured. The effects of sub-MICs of cefepime on biofilm formation, adhesion, and esp gene expression were examined. Results: The present study reported a high incidence of UTI caused by E. faecalis (13.15%). The susceptibility of ten E. faecalis isolates to cefepime and their biofilm formation varied. No significant relationship was observed between the susceptibility of the isolates to cefepime and their biofilm formation (r = -0.28, P = 0.42). Sub-MICs of cefepime (&frac12; MIC, &frac14; MIC, 1/8MIC, and 1/16 MIC) reduced biofilm formation and adhesion to human OMECs (P&lt;0.05). Additionally, the pre-treated E. faecalis with above sub-MICs down-regulated esp gene expression (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Sub-MICs of cefepime decrease biofilm formation and E. faecalis adhesion to biotic and abiotic surfaces. This effect is achieved through the down-regulation of esp gene expression

Background: Modifying biofilm formation and adhesion could aid in developing treatments for infectious diseases caused by Enterococcus faecalis, a multidrug-resistant bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The aim of the study: To investigate the effect of cefepime sub-inhibitory concentrations on the biofilm production and adhesion of E. faecalis. Materials and methods: Seventy-three urine specimens were collected from inpatients with UTIs to isolate E. faecalis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cefepime were determined to assess the susceptibility of ten E. faecalis isolates. Biofilm formation to polystyrene and adhesion to human oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs) in vitro was measured. The effects of sub-MICs of cefepime on biofilm formation, adhesion, and esp gene expression were examined. Results: The present study reported a high incidence of UTI caused by E. faecalis (13.15%). The susceptibility of ten E. faecalis isolates to cefepime and their biofilm formation varied. No significant relationship was observed between the susceptibility of the isolates to cefepime and their biofilm formation (r = -0.28, P = 0.42). Sub-MICs of cefepime (&frac12; MIC, &frac14; MIC, 1/8MIC, and 1/16 MIC) reduced biofilm formation and adhesion to human OMECs (P&lt;0.05). Additionally, the pre-treated E. faecalis with above sub-MICs down-regulated esp gene expression (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Sub-MICs of cefepime decrease biofilm formation and E. faecalis adhesion to biotic and abiotic surfaces. This effect is achieved through the down-regulation of esp gene expression

AdhesionBiofilmCefepimeEnterococcus faecalisAdhesionBiofilmCefepimeEnterococcus faecalis

The authors thank all staff members of the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, for all support during the experimental work

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