In vitroactinomycete biofilm development and inhibition by the polyene antibiotic, nystatin, on IUD copper surfaces

Abstract

The presence of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) gives a solid surface for attachment and an ideal niche for biofilm to form and flourish. Pelvic actinomycosis is often associated with the use of IUDs. Treatment of IUDassociated pelvic actinomycosis requires the immediate removal of the IUD. Therefore, this article presents in vitro evidence to support the use of novel antibiotics in the treatment of actinomycete biofilms. Twenty one clinical actinomycetes isolates from endocervical swabs of IUD wearers were assessed for their biofilm forming ability. An in vitro biofilm model with three isolates, Streptomyces strain A4, Nocardia strain C15 and Nocardia strain C17 was subjected to treatment with nystatin. Inhibition of biofilm formation by nystatin was found to be concentration dependent, with MBIC 50 values in the range 0.08-0.16 mg ml 71 . Furthermore, at a concentration of 0.16 mg ml 71 , nystatin inhibited the twitching motility of the isolates, providing evidence for a possible mechanism of biofilm inhibition.

Current Understanding on Adhesion and Biofilm Development in Actinobacteria

“…It comprises genera of particular importance in biotechnology and other pathogenic species [110]. However, few reports describe biofilm formation in this phylum [35,50]. Great efforts are being deployed in areas related to the production of valuable compounds and antibiotics.…”

“…An analysis of literature for biofilm formation in Actinobacteria revealed that only 9 actinobacterial genera show biofilm ability. Also, limited reports are dissecting the extracellular matrix in some genera [31,35,50].…”

“…showed a high capacity to form biofilms. Actinomycetes biofilms on the above-mentioned devices are responsible for the development of actinomycosis [50].…”

Marine Sponge-Derived Streptomyces sp. SBT343 Extract Inhibits Staphylococcal Biofilm Formation

“…Biomaterials used in clinical and medical settings are ideal niches for formation of microbial biofilms ( Shanmughapriya et al, 2012 ). Even though a number of natural and synthetic anti-biofilm agents have already been discovered ( Richards and Melander, 2009 ; Gupta et al, 2016 ; Miquel et al, 2016 ; Tran et al, 2016 ), none of them has entered the market, owing to obstacles in translational research and lack of interest by pharmaceutical and biomedical companies ( Romero and Kolter, 2011 ).…”

Pelvic actinomycosis: unrelated to prior intrauterine device use

“…[6][7][8][9][10] The proposed pathogenesis in those with an IUD is the development of a biofilm on the copper surface and subsequent invasion of breached tissue. 2,11,12 Here we report a patient with pelvic actinomycosis unrelated to the use of an IUCD.…”