Sesquiterpene farnesol contributes to increased susceptibility to β-lactams in strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2012 Apr;56(4):2198-200. doi: 10.1128/AAC.05885-11. Epub 2012 Jan 30.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro combination of farnesol and β-lactams against Burkholderia pseudomallei. A total of 12 β-lactamase-positive strains were tested according to CLSI standards. All strains were inhibited by farnesol, with MICs ranging from 75 to 150 μM. The combination of this compound with β-lactams resulted in statistically significant β-lactam MIC reduction (P ≤ 0.05). This study provides new perspectives for the use of farnesol combined with β-lactam antibiotics against strains of B. pseudomallei.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Burkholderia pseudomallei / drug effects*
  • Burkholderia pseudomallei / growth & development
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Drug Synergism
  • Farnesol / pharmacology*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • beta-Lactamases / metabolism
  • beta-Lactams / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactams
  • Farnesol
  • beta-Lactamases