Effects of Wi‐Fi Radiofrequency Radiation on Carbapenem‐Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract

The hazardous consequences of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure represent a public health concern. Common sources of EMF include smartphones and wireless fidelity (Wi‐Fi). The aim of our study is to assess whether exposure to Wi‐Fi radiofrequency radiation influences the pathogenic traits of carbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. The susceptibility to antibiotics was evaluated by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). In this study, K. pneumoniae showed a non‐linear response to treatments with Colistin and Gentamycin following different Wi‐Fi exposure periods. Transmission electron microscopy revealed morphological changes in the bacterial cell membrane within 24 h of Wi‐Fi exposure. Crystal violet quantification and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed that the ability to form biofilms was greater in Wi‐Fi exposed K. pnemoniae when compared to control. Moreover, higher levels of bcsA, mrkA, and luxS messenger RNAs were observed. Our data suggest that Wi‐Fi exposure can influence bacteria in a stressful way, leading to an alteration in their antibiotic susceptibility, morphological changes, and cumulative biofilm formation. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Synergistic antibacterial activity of EGCGcombined with imipenem against planktonic Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and the evaluation of independent antibiofilm activity of EGCG

“…Previous studies (8) have shown that the biofilm was positive association with carbapenem-resistance and the morbidity / mortality of 80% of chronic infections (9), which imposed recurrent attacks and prolonged untreatable poor prognosis in CRKP-BSI patients. In K. pneumoniae, the biofilm formation was mediated by the fimbriae and polysaccharides (10). The mrkA gene encoded the major subunits of type 3 fimbriae with the function of binding to the extracellular matrix, that necessary for biofilm formation of K. pneumoniae (11).…”