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In vitro activity of allicin against Staphylococcus epidermidis and influence of subinhibitory concentrations on biofilm formation

  1. C. Pérez-Giraldo,
  2. G. Cruz-Villalón,
  3. R. Sánchez-Silos,
  4. R. Martínez-Rubio,
  5. M.T. Blanco,
  6. A.C. Gómez-García

Article first published online: 15 AUG 2003

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2003.02030.x

Issue

Journal of Applied Microbiology

Journal of Applied Microbiology

Volume 95, Issue 4, pages 709–711, October 2003

Additional Information

How to Cite

Pérez-Giraldo, C., Cruz-Villalón, G., Sánchez-Silos, R., Martínez-Rubio, R., Blanco, M. and Gómez-García, A. (2003), In vitro activity of allicin against Staphylococcus epidermidis and influence of subinhibitory concentrations on biofilm formation. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 95: 709–711. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2003.02030.x

Author Information

  1. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain

*Antonio C. Go´mez-García, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain (e-mail: candido@unex.es).

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 9 SEP 2003
  2. Article first published online: 15 AUG 2003
  3. 2002/205: received 8 May 2002, revised 2 April 2003 and accepted 28 April 2003

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Keywords:

  • activity;
  • allicin;
  • biofilm;
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis;
  • subinhibitory concentrations

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the in vitro activity of allicin against Staphylococcus epidermidis and to evaluate the influence of allicin on biofilm formation.

Methods and Results:In vitro activity of allicin (diallyl thiosulphinate) against 38 strains of S. epidermidis was investigated. The activity of allicin was similar against S. epidermidis methicillin susceptible and methicillin resistant strains [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)90 = 8 mg l−1]. In general, subinhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of allicin diminished biofilm formation in the five strains analysed.

Conclusion: The results confirm the antibacterial effect of allicin. Sub-MICs of allicin also diminished the biofilm formations by S. epidermidis.

Significance and Impact of the Study: The present study shows that allicin is active in vitro against S. epidermidis and that sub-MICs of allicin may play a role in the prevention of adherence of this bacteria to medical devices.

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