Pr Brian Jones, from school of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, United Kingdom will present his study on “Control of catheter associated biofilms through efflux inhibition“.
According to him: “Proteus mirabilis poses particular problems in the care of individuals undergoing long-term urethral catheterization. This organism forms extensive crystalline biofilm structures on catheter surfaces that block urine flow, leading to serious complications such as pyelonephritis, septicemia and shock. We have previously shown that efflux systems are important for P. mirabilis biofilm formation on catheters, and mutants defective in particular systems are less able to block catheters, highlighting potential therapeutic targets. Subsequently, we screened a range of existing drugs already used in human medicine to identify potential efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs). Molecular modelling indicated selected EPIs showed strong interaction with efflux systems related to biofilm formation, and these compounds were also able to attenuate P. mirabilis biofilm formation and catheter blockage in laboratory models of catheter associated UTI. Overall this suggest efflux inhibition may be a valid approach to control catheter blockage, and existing medicines have the potential to be repurposed for control of bacterial biofilm formation.”