Activity of Various Antibiotics on Production of Virulence Factors by Various Organisms

Summary

Antibiotics may have effects on infecting organisms that alter their virulence beyond simply killing them or reducing their capacity for growth. The effect of antibiotics on the virulence of organisms can be evaluated by studying changes in ability to adhere to epithelial cells, by monitoring changes in toxin and enzyme production (virulence factors), and by studying alterations in susceptibility to host defence mechanisms. The role of some microbial products for pathogenicity is clearly understood, while the identity and role of others are still under investigation. Synthesis of various microbial products in some cases is unaffected by the presence of antibiotics whereas in others it is either decreased or enhanced. Harnessing the results from such studies will lead to a more rational approach to the use of antibiotics.