Characterization of virulence factors and antibacterial activity of curcumin in hypervirulent .

is a threat to human health due to its carbapenem-resistance and hypervirulent phenotype. Curcumin is a well-known antimicrobial agent. Hence, it is important to investigate the antivirulence activity of curcumin against hypervirulent isolates. Carbapenemase presence and prevalence of hypervirulent isolates were determined. Inhibition of biofilm formation and expression of virulence genes were analyzed by colorimetry and real-time PCR tests. Sixteen hypervirulent isolates were identified. The optimum activity of curcumin was detected at 1/2 minimum inhibitory concentration. Curcumin possessed appropriate antibiofilm, anti-efflux and anticapsule activities. According to the crucial role of biofilm, capsule and efflux systems in the pathogenesis of hypervirulent , curcumin may be used to improve anti- treatment.