Abstract
BackgroundQuaternary ammonium compound based disinfectants are commonly used in pig and poultry husbandry to maintain farm hygiene. However, studies have shown that subinhibitory concentrations of these disinfectants may increase antibiotic resistance. Investigation of antibiotic susceptibility is usually assessed via the microbroth dilution method, although this conventional culture-based technique only provides information on the bacteriostatic activity of an antimicrobial agent. Therefore, experiments were performed to investigate the effect of prior benzalkonium chloride (BKC) exposure on the viability of subsequent ciprofloxacin (CIP) treated Escherichia coli.ResultsFollowing CIP treatment, bacterial cell counts were significantly higher after exposure to a subinhibitory BKC concentration than without BKC exposure. The flow cytometric results suggested a BKC-dependent onset of membrane damage and loss of membrane potential.ConclusionOur results indicate a lower bactericidal effect of CIP treatment on BKC-exposed E. coli isolates compared to unexposed E. coli isolates.
Highlights
Quaternary ammonium compound based disinfectants are commonly used in pig and poultry husbandry to maintain farm hygiene
Bacterial plate counts The effect of prior exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BKC) on the number of culturable bacteria after CIP treatment at different concentrations was first investigated by plate counting
The mean bacterial counts were significantly higher after CIP treatment with exposure to BKC than without BKC exposure (P < 0.001)
Summary
Quaternary ammonium compound based disinfectants are commonly used in pig and poultry husbandry to maintain farm hygiene. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are among the most widely used active components in farm disinfectants [2] Their use for veterinary hygiene purposes plays a crucial role in the prevention of spreading bacterial infections within and between herds, an important aspect of on-farm biosecurity. Disinfectants effectively kill bacteria when applied correctly, but their inappropriate use (e.g., dilution in rinsing water or inactivation due to residual organic matter) can lead to a Maertens et al BMC Microbiology (2020) 20:155 reduced bactericidal effect. In such instances, bacteria are exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of disinfectants
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