%0 Journal Article
%T Potential antivirulence activity of sub-inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin against Proteus mirabilis isolates: an in-vitro and in-vivo study.
%A Elhosseini MA
%A El-Banna TE
%A Sonbol FI
%A El-Bouseary MM
%J Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob
%V 23
%N 1
%D 2024 May 27
%M 38802894
%F 6.781
%R 10.1186/s12941-024-00704-4
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Proteus mirabilis is a significant nosocomial pathogen that is frequently associated with a wide range of infections, necessitating heightened attention to mitigate potential health risks. Hence, this study was performed to investigate the impact of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ciprofloxacin (CIP) on Proteus mirabilis clinical isolates.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The sub-MICs of CIP were selected using the growth curve approach. The untreated and treated isolates with sub-MICs of CIP were assessed for their biofilm development, motilities on agar, and other virulence factors. The cell morphology of untreated and treated isolates with sub-MIC of CIP was explored using electron microscope. Moreover, the expression levels of the virulence genes in isolates were measured using quantitative real-time PCR.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Data revealed that sub-MICs of CIP significantly (p < 0.05), in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited biofilm formation and other virulence factors in the selected isolates. Electron microscope analysis showed cell enlargement and various abnormalities in the cell wall and membrane integrity.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Sub-MICs of CIP exhibited inhibition of virulence and alterations in morphological integrity against P. mirabilis isolates.