INFLUENCE OF N-ACETYLCYSTEINE ON THE FORMATION OF BIOFILM BY STAPHYLOCOCCUS-EPIDERMIDIS

The influence of various concentrations (0.003-8 mg/mL) of N-acetylcys teine on the formation of biofilms by 15 strains of Staphylococcus epi dermidis has been studied. A dose-related decrease in biofilm formatio n was observed, except with the lowest concentrations. The 'slime' ind ex relative to the control was 63%, 55%, 46%, 34%, 26% and 26% in the presence of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg/mL of N-acetylcysteine, respe ctively. These data are statistically significant. The inhibitory effe ct of 2 mg/mL of N-acetylcysteine on slime formation was also verified by electron microscopy.