Inhibition of exopolysaccharide biopolymer and pyocyanin virulence factors produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1604 by salicylic compounds

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is able to form exopolysaccharide biopolymer in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients, increasing viscoelasticity of sputum. In our studies, the viscosity of the biopolymer produced by P. aeruginosa 1604 was investigated in the presence of aspirin and sodium salicylate. The applied salicylic compounds in 0.3 % concentration decreased significantly the viscosity of the biopolymer during a five days period. The biopolymer of P. aeruginosa can harbour other virulence factors, such as pyocyanin. The applied salicylic compounds also decreased the pyocyanin production; however, according to our results P. aeruginosa 1604 was able to produce pyocyanin after 72 h in the presence of 0.1-0.2 % salicylic compounds. Consistent low pyocyanin production was caused only in the presence of 0.3 % or higher concentration of these compounds.Consequently, salycilic compounds decreased both the viscoelasticity of the biopolymer and the concentration of pyocyanin produced by P. aeruginosa 1604.e viscoelasticity of the biopolymer and the concentration of pyocyanin produced by P. aeruginosa 1604.