Resistance to Antiseptics and Disinfectants of Planktonic and Biofilm-Associated Forms of Corynebacterium striatum

Abstract

Disinfection and antisepsis are of primary importance in controlling nosocomial infections and outbreaks by pathogens expressing multiple resistance to antimicrobial agents (multidrug-resistant [MDR]) used in therapy. Nowadays, infections related to health services (HAIs) due to MDR and multidrug-susceptible (MDS) Corynebacterium striatum should not be underestimated, including patients using invasive medical devices. The virulence potential of C. striatum needs further investigation. Currently, susceptibility profiles of planktonic and/or sessile forms of four C. striatum strains of different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types were examined as biocides based on the manufacturer's recommendations: 2% glutaraldehyde (GA), 2% peracetic acid (PA), 1% potassium monopersulfate (Virkon Ò ; VK), 1% sodium hypochlorite (SH), and 70% ethyl alcohol (ET). Time-kill assays using 2% bovine serum albumin (BSA) were performed for evaluation of influence of organic matter on biocides effects. Planktonic forms expressed GA resistance at different levels. C. striatum viability was observed until 2, 4, 20, and 30 min for MDR 2369/II, MDS 1954/IV, MDR 1987/I, and MDS 1961/III strains, respectively. In contrast to GA, the biocides PA, VK24h, SH, and ET had higher effective bacterial mortality. However, storage of VK (48 hr) reduced their biocide activities. Moreover, mature biofilms were produced on abiotic substrates, including steel surfaces. Post-treatment with GA (30 min), survival of sessile forms was ‡100% than planktonic forms of all C. striatum tested strains. Independent of biocides tested, BSA increased the survival of planktonic and sessile forms ( p £ 0.005). Present data indicated that hospital staff should be aware of dissemination and eradication of HAIs by C. striatum presenting resistance to biocides, including high-level disinfectants, such as GA.

Wide spread and diversity of mutation in the gyrA gene of quinolone-resistant Corynebacterium striatum strains isolated from three tertiary hospitals in China

“…A recent report revealed that some dominant C. striatum clones showed resistance to some widely used biocides at different levels, including high-level disinfectants (such as glutaraldehyde) [ 23 ]. Therefore, the sensitivity of dominant C. striatum isolates from different hospitals to commonly used biocides should be further evaluated, and the selective use of effective biocides should be considered.…”

Treat Me Well or Will Resist: Uptake of Mobile Genetic Elements Determine the Resistome of Corynebacterium striatum

“…In addition, there is the qacEdelta1 gene, which confers resistance to quaternary ammonium compound biocides. Biocide resistance was reported and associated with biofilms by Souza et al (2020) [ 28 ]. On the other hand, the sul gene and the qacEdelta1 gene are frequently seen in class 1 integrons.…”

“…C. striatum strains expressing varied MDR profiles have been identified as the etiologic agent of various types of both nosocomial and non-healthcare associated infections reported in industrialized and developing countries [ 25 , 27 ]. Recently, resistance to antiseptic and disinfectants such as glutaraldehyde (GA) has also been reported for C. striatum [ 28 ]. Accordingly, medical surveillance programs should include control strategies to decrease potential risk factors of nosocomial infections and outbreaks due to C. striatum .…”

“…Moreover, the high level of MDR associated with biofilm formation capacity observed for invasive C. striatum strains was also found as an issue of concern. Therefore, data suggested a relationship between biofilm formation ability, changes in genes, and increased resistance to drugs for C. striatum [ 12 , 27 , 28 ].…”

Corynebacterium striatum—Got Worse by a Pandemic?

“…The C. striatum strains get more aggressive in the presence of invasive medical devices, including catheters and endotracheal tubes. Consequently, the formation of bacterial biofilms leads to an increase in healthcare costs, extended hospitalization, and presumably the spread of antibiotic resistance genes [22][23][24][25].…”