ATIVIDADE ANTIBACTERIANA E MODIFICAÇÃO DA AÇÃO ANTIBIÓTICA DO CITRAL FRENTE A CEPA DE Klebsiella pneumoniae
ATIVIDADE ANTIBACTERIANA E MODIFICAÇÃO DA AÇÃO ANTIBIÓTICA DO CITRAL FRENTE A CEPA DE Klebsiella pneumoniae
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.229112610041
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Palavras-chave: Resistência bacteriana; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Citral; Sinergismo antibiótico.
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Keywords: Bacterial resistance; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Citral; Antibiotic synergism.
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Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance has become one of the major challenges of contemporary medicine, driven by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and the adaptive capacity of microorganisms. In this context, *Klebsiella pneumoniae* stands out as an important hospital pathogen associated with severe infections and multidrug resistance, significantly limiting available therapeutic options. In light of this issue, phytochemical compounds such as citral have been investigated as promising alternatives in combating resistant bacteria. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of citral, both alone and in combination with antibiotics, against K. pneumoniae. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth microdilution method, and the antibiotic-modifying activity was assessed through the combination of citral with gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and oxacillin. The results demonstrated that citral exhibited limited intrinsic antibacterial activity, with an MIC of 1024 µg/mL, indicating low efficacy when used alone against the tested strain. However, when combined with gentamicin, a significant reduction in the antibiotic’s MIC was observed, suggesting a synergistic effect. This result may be explained by the ability of citral to alter the permeability of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, facilitating drug entry and enhancing its activity. In contrast, the association with ciprofloxacin resulted in an increased MIC, indicating a possible antagonistic effect, potentially related to the induction of resistance mechanisms such as efflux pumps. Meanwhile, the combination with oxacillin showed no significant changes, indicating a lack of relevant interaction. In conclusion, although citral demonstrates limited antibacterial activity when used alone, its role as an adjuvant agent is promising, particularly in combination with antibiotics that target intracellular sites. These findings highlight the potential of citral as a modulator of bacterial resistance and emphasize the need for further studies to elucidate its mechanisms of action and ensure its safety and clinical applicability.
- Gabriela Felix Leite
- Raimundo Luiz Silva Pereira
- Dárcio Luiz de Sousa Júnior
- Marina Micaelle Rodrigues Siqueira
- Ana Carolina Ferreira Araújo
- Antonio Júdson Targino Machado
- Amanda de Andrade Marques
- Caio César Vieira Rocha
- Janeanne Nascimento Silva Lopes
- Bruna Dantas Nogueira
- Eloisa Maria Pereira Neves
- Paulo Henrique Carvalho Silveira