Inhibitory effects of simeprevir on Staphylococcusepidermidis and itsbiofilm in vitro

• Published in: Zhong nan da xue xue bao. Journal of Central South University. Yi xue ban 2023-06, Vol.48 (6), p.868-876
• Main Authors: Li, Yingjia, Cai, Chaoni, Liu, Zixin, Tang, Xichang, Qu, Lin, Wu, Yuan, Wu, Pingyun, Duan, Yao, She, Pengfei
• Format: Article
• Language: chi ; eng
• ISSN: 1672-7347
• DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.220644

OBJECTIVESStaphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen that often causes hospital infections. With the abuse of antibiotics, the resistance of S. epidermidis gradually increases, and drug repurposing has become a research hotspot in the treating of refractory drug-resistant bacterial infections. This study aims to study the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of simeprevir, an antiviral hepatitis drug, on S. epidermidis in vitro.METHODSThe micro-dilution assay was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of simeprevir against S. epidermidis. Crystal violet staining assay was used to detect the biofilm inhibitory effect of simeprevir. The antimicrobial activity of simeprevir against S. epidermidis and its biofilm were explored by SYTO9/PI fluorescent staining. The combined effect between simeprevir and gentamycin was assessed by checkerboard assay and was confirmed by time-inhibition assay.RESULTSSimeprevir showed significant antimicrobial effects against S. epidermidis type strains and clinical isolates with the MIC and MBC at 2-16 μg/mL and 4-32 μg/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial effects of simeprevir were confirmed by SYTO9/PI staining. Simeprevir at MIC could significantly inhibit and break the biofilm on cover slides. Similarly, simeprevir also significantly inhibit the biofilm formation on the surface of urine catheters either in TSB [from (0.700±0.020) to (0.050±0.004)] (t=54.03, P