Thymol-Based Inhibition of Biofilm and Type III Secretion System as a Potential Alternative Therapy for Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infections

Authors

Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Background: The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections poses a significant threat to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Antivirulence Compounds targeting bacterial virulence are potentially helpful in treating resistant bacterial infections. The type three secretion system (T3SS) and biofilm formation are the major virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. Materials and Methods: The effect of thymol on the biofilm formation capability of P. aeruginosa bacteria was monitored using a microtiter plate assay. P. aeruginosa was tested for expressing T3SS toxins encoding genes under the effect of thymol. Results: Thymol significantly decreased biofilm formation capability and downregulated the expression level of T3SS toxins encoding genes in P. aeruginosa. Conclusions: This study demonstrates thymol's anti-biofilm and anti-T3SS effects as a potential alternative antivirulence therapy for P. aeruginosainfections.