Open AccessExogenous fatty acids alter phospholipid composition, membrane permeability, capacity for biofilm formation, and antimicrobial peptide susceptibility in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Author(s) -
Hobby Chelsea R.,
Herndon Joshua L.,
Morrow Colton A.,
Peters Rachel E.,
Symes Steven J. K.,
Giles David K.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
microbiologyopen
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.881
H-Index - 36
ISSN - 2045-8827
DOI - 10.1002/mbo3.635
Subject(s) - klebsiella pneumoniae , biofilm , antimicrobial , microbiology and biotechnology , polymyxin , phospholipid , bacteria , antibiotics , antibiotic resistance , membrane permeability , polyunsaturated fatty acid , polymyxin b , antimicrobial peptides , biology , biochemistry , chemistry , fatty acid , escherichia coli , membrane , genetics , gene
Klebsiella pneumoniae represents a major threat to human health due to a combination of its nosocomial emergence and a propensity for acquiring antibiotic resistance. Dissemination of the bacteria from its native intestinal location creates severe, complicated infections that are particularly problematic in healthcare settings. Thus, there is an urgency for identifying novel treatment regimens as the incidence of highly antibiotic‐resistant bacteria rises. Recent findings have highlighted the ability of some Gram‐negative bacteria to utilize exogenous fatty acids in ways that modify membrane phospholipids and influence virulence phenotypes, such as biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. This study explores the ability of K. pneumoniae to assimilate and respond to exogenous fatty acids. The combination of thin‐layer chromatography liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry confirmed adoption of numerous exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFA s) into the phospholipid species of K. pneumoniae . Membrane permeability was variably affected as determined by two dye uptake assays. Furthermore, the availability of many PUFA s lowered the MIC s to the antimicrobial peptides polymyxin B and colistin. Biofilm formation was significantly affected depending upon the supplemented fatty acid.