The Effect of Cell-Free Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Supernatants on Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm Formation of Opportunistic Pathogens

Abstract

The presence of nontuberculous mycobacteria in biofilms on the surface of medical devices may affect the opportunistic pathogens that are common inhabitants of such biofilms. This study assessed the effect of Mycolicibacterium iranicum cell-free supernatants on biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis differing in the anti-hemoglobin activity level. The cell-free supernatants have been shown to stimulate biofilm formation and also help reduce susceptibility of opportunistic pathogens to a number of antibiotics.

Keywords

• nontuberculous mycobacteria
• opportunistic pathogens
• biofilm formation
• antibiotic susceptibility