Caffeic Acid and Erythromycin: Antibacterial and Synergistic Effects on Staphylococci

<b>Background:</b> Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially <i>Staphylococcus</i> species, are a growing concern in healthcare settings and infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains are difficult to treat. Therefore, it is imperative to explore new treatment methods f...

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Main Authors: Małgorzata Kępa, Maria Miklasińska-Majdanik, Aleksandra Haczyk, Arkadiusz Matuła, Robert D. Wojtyczka
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Pharmaceuticals
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/7/964
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Summary:<b>Background:</b> Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially <i>Staphylococcus</i> species, are a growing concern in healthcare settings and infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains are difficult to treat. Therefore, it is imperative to explore new treatment methods for these infections such as combinations of natural compounds with antibiotics. <b>Methods:</b> The main objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of caffeic acid against staphylococcal strains. The viability of bacterial cells and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC<sub>50</sub>) for caffeic acid were also examined. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the caffeic acid was determined using a serial microdilution method. To study the combined effect of caffeic acid and erythromycin, the fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) were determined. <b>Results:</b> Caffeic acid inhibited the growth of all the tested isolates, with MIC values ranging from 256 to 1024 µg/mL and reduced bacterial cell viability at concentrations corresponding to MIC values. Caffeic acid and erythromycin showed a synergistic effect when used together against three examined strains and had an additive effect against two isolates. However, their combination was indifferent against the seven remaining staphylococci tested. <b>Conclusions:</b> The results of our research demonstrate that caffeic acid has antimicrobial properties against the tested strains.
ISSN:1424-8247