Analysis of efflux activity in Listeria monocytogenes cells

Abstract

Introduction: Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic foodborne Gram-positive pathogen causing serious human infections. These bacteria are widely distributed in the environment and are the third most common cause of death from food poisoning. Because of efflux pumps L. monocytogenes is a multidrug resistant pathogen, not sensitive to many antimicrobial compounds, including tetracycline, amoxicillin, benzalkonium chloride. Efflux pumps are membrane transporters which can extrude out of the cells various toxic compounds. Knowledge about the regulation of activity of these pumps could enhance the efficiency of treatment. One of ideas how to control the efflux is to use the pump inhibitors. Aim: To assessthe influence of potential inhibitors on the interaction of L. monocytogenes cells with efflux indicator Tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) ions.[...]