Investigation of the effect of N-Acetylcysteine on colistin mic values in Acinetobacter Baumannii strains isolated from clinical samples

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on MIC values colistin used in A. baumannii treatment. Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes inpatients and causes severe infections, septic shock, and death. With the emergence of multi-drug resistant A. baumannii infections, colistin becomes a treatment option. NAC is a mucolytic agent used commonly in lower respiratory tract infections especially in patients who have chronic respiratory disorders. Fifty A.baumannii isolates which were collected from a secondary care hospital were included in the study. The isolates were identified by an automatized identification system and antibiograms were also performed by this system. With the broth microdilution method, we investigated and compared the MIC values of the Colistin and NAC+Colistin combination. Samples tested with standard broth microdilution method and results interpreted as Colistin MIC50 value is 0.25 μg/mL and MİK90 value is 1 μg/mL, NAC+Colistin combination MIC50 value is 0.25 μg/mL and MİK90 value is 1 μg/mL. Although there is no difference in MIC50 and MIC90 values, a slight rise is seen in average MIC values for the NAC+Colistin combination. The screening for drugs that are generally prescribed together may provide a strategy to improve treatment outcomes of A. baumannii and reduce hospitalization.

Keywords

• colistin
• N-acetylcysteine
• Acinetobacter baumannii

References

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