In vitro Activity of Sparfloxacin and Its Combination with Efflux Pump Blockers Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Rahima  Tahir; Neha Farid; Khansa Syed; Misbah  Mohammad Hanif; Asma Bashir; Kashif Ali

doi:10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-3/006

Authors

Rahima Tahir Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6777-3721
Neha Farid Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4051-4674
Khansa Syed Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan.
Misbah Mohammad Hanif Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan.
Asma Bashir Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0912-9199
Kashif Ali Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3913-9443

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-3/006

Keywords:

Sparfloxacin, Multi-drug resistance, MRSA, Escherichia Coli, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, Minimum Bactericidal Concentration

Abstract

Background: Multi-drug resistance has emerged as a significant global health challenge that has resulted in the occurrence of numerous diseases. This paper highlighted the potential of Sparfloxacin as a solution to antimicrobial resistance when used alone or in combination with efflux pump blockers. Sparfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits the bacterial DNA gyrase, thereby preventing DNA replication. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Sparfloxacin against MRSA and E. coli, and whether it could be used either solely or in combination with the efflux pump blockers to overcome multidrug resistance.

Methods: The study targeted two pathogens, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The research methods included the determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values of Sparfloxacin solely, and in combination with Tamoxifen and Verapamil. The study was conducted over a time period of one year, and the study design was basic.

Result: The effective concentration of Sparfloxacin was found to be 0.001µg/ml for MRSA and 5µg/ml for E. coli. Whereas, when used in combination with the efflux pump blocker, the effective concentration was found to be 0.31µg/ml with 128µg/ml of Tamoxifen for both the microbes. Verapamil with Sparfloxacin (0.31µg/ml) was found to be effective with 24µg/ml as MBC, and 12µg/ml as MIC value against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. For E. coli, the MBC value of Verapamil with Sparfloxacin (20µg/ml) was found to be 166.66µg/ml.

Conclusion: The study suggested that Sparfloxacin could be a potential solution to multidrug resistance, even when used solely, unlike other antibiotics, which show better efficacy at higher concentrations. Tamoxifen and Verapamil can be used with other antibiotics to enhance their efficacy against the multidrug-resistant strains.

Author Biographies

Rahima Tahir, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan.

Graduate of BS Biosciences,
Neha Farid, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan.

Department of Biosciences and Senior Lecturer,
Khansa Syed, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan.

Graduate of BS Biosciences,
Misbah Mohammad Hanif, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan.

Graduate of BS Biosciences,
Asma Bashir, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan.

Department of Biosciences and Assistant Professor,
Kashif Ali, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,SZABIST University,Karachi,Pakistan.

Dean of Faculty of Life Sciences,

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