The effect of subinhibitory concentrations of some antibiotics on the hydrophobicity of gram-negative bacteria.

Cell surface hydrophobicity is currently regarded as an important factor in promoting bacterial adherence to a wide variety of surfaces. This feature was investigated in some Gram-negative bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections and the extent to which their surface characteristics were affected by subinhibitory concentrations of some antibiotics was assayed. Surface properties were evaluated using the salting-out technique (SAT) and bacterial absorption to n-hexadecane (BATH). SAT showed that all except 3 Escherichia coli strains were autoaggregating. BATH detected more hydrophobic characteristics in the stationary phase of bacterial growth. Pretreatment with antibiotics generally reduced hydrophobicity and thus affected the initial reversible phase of attachment of bacteria to eukaryotic cells.