Effect of Panax quinquefolius extract on Mycobacterium abscessus biofilm formation.

can exist either as planktonic bacteria or as a biofilm. Biofilm formation is one of the important causes of conversion to resistance to antibiotics of bacteria that were previously sensitive when in their planktonic form, resulting in infections difficult to manage. and its active ingredient ginsenosides have the potential ability in fighting pathogenic infections. In this study, the extract (PQE) showed good antibacterial/bactericidal activity against the planktonic cells. The extract reduced the biomass, thickness, and number of in the biofilm and altered its morphological characteristics as well as the spatial distribution of dead/alive bacteria. Moreover, the ginsenoside CK monomer had a similar inhibitory effect on planktonic bacteria and biofilm formation. Therefore, PQE and its monomer CK might be potential novel antimicrobial agents for the clinical prevention and treatment of , including biofilms in chronic infections.