Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field affects virulence and antibiotic susceptibility of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Background: The extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) effect on microorganisms has attracted attention due to its potential for industrial and medical applications as a promising candidate to combat multi-drug resistant pathogens. This study aimed to assess the effect of ELF-EMF on Gram-negative ( P. aeruginosa ) and Gram-positive ( S. aureus ) bacterial isolates. This effect was determined phenotypically (bacterial virulence and antibiotics susceptibility) and genotypically (mutations induced in whole genome). The test organisms were exposed to ELF-EMF with frequency of 0.7 Hz and 0.8 Hz for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus , respectively for different exposure times (6 and 12 hrs). Results: By comparing the results of exposed bacterial cultures with their counterparts non-exposed controls; remarkable differences were found in virulence, antibiotics susceptibility and genome structure. Whole genome sequencing revealed missense mutated genes that were associated directly/indirectly with the observed inhibition in protease and oxidase production, biofilm formation (in case of P. aeruginos a), coagulase and catalase production and biofilm formation (in case of S. aureus ). Also, the antibiotic susceptibility tests of both bacterial species indicated enhancement in the sensitivity. Conclusions: Therefore, it was concluded that each organism responds differently to ELF-EMF and exposure of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus test isolates to ELF-EMF at the stated frequencies affects the cellular activity as well as the structure and that effect depends on the duration of exposure. This study provides an evidence for the use of ELF-EMF as an efficient technique against skin bacterial infections especially those that are caused by pathogens with multiple drug resistance to different antimicrobial agents.