The effect of bromhexine, gentamicin and imipenem on biofilm of standard bacterial Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by ELISA method

Biofilms are a collection of microorganisms that have the ability to stick to different levels. Due to the difficulty of treatment of bacterial biofilm infections and their lack of recognition by conventional diagnostic methods, this study aimed to provide a new method of identification and the effect of related drugs on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli biofilms.

In this study, two strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used. Using the microplate method, gentamicin and imipenem combined with bromhexine and also bromhexine alone with different dilutions were used on the biofilm of these bacteria. Then results read out using ELISA reader.

Bromhexine alone and without combining with other substances or types of antibiotics had a positive effect on preventing the formation of biofilms and bacterial adhesion, and reduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli in the biofilm.

Biofilm has been able to grow significantly, despite the use of strong antibiotics such as imipenem and gentamicin. Its existence in the body, or devices such as urethral catheters, cardiac artificial valves or other artificial organs, causes a significant disorder within immune system.