Subinhibitoriske

Subinhibitoriske refers to concentrations of an antimicrobial agent, such as an antibiotic, that are below the level typically required to inhibit the visible growth of microorganisms. While these concentrations may not completely kill or stop the proliferation of bacteria, they can still exert significant biological effects. These effects are often subtle and can include influencing bacterial physiology, gene expression, and virulence.

The study of subinhibitory concentrations has revealed that they can impact a range of microbial processes. For instance, they can alter bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to changes in morphology and potentially increased susceptibility to host immune defenses. Subinhibitory concentrations have also been shown to affect quorum sensing, a system of communication used by bacteria to coordinate group behaviors, which can influence the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are communities of bacteria encased in a self-produced matrix, which are notoriously resistant to antibiotics and immune responses.

Furthermore, exposure to subinhibitory concentrations can induce or alter the expression of virulence factors, the molecules that contribute to a pathogen's ability to cause disease. This could lead to a more complex or persistent infection even if the bacteria are not completely eradicated. Understanding these effects is crucial in fields like infectious disease research and the development of antimicrobial therapies. It highlights the complex interactions between antimicrobial agents and microbes beyond simple killing and has implications for antibiotic resistance development and the overall dynamics of infection.