Ibuprofen prevents the conjugative transfer of plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance genes.

Abstract

Refractory infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) pose a significant threat to public health. We reported ibuprofen inhibited the conjugation of the RP4 plasmid and plasmids from clinical strains carrying different resistance genes including mcr-1, bla_NDM, bla_KPC, tet(X4), and tmexCD1-toprJ1. Mechanistic studies suggested ibuprofen reduced ATP production and inhibited conjugation-related genes. The inhibitory effect of ibuprofen on conjugation has significant clinical implications for preventing the spread of MDR, opening new therapeutic avenues to combat MDRB.