Inhibition of bacterial adhesion by an artificial surfactant

Non-cytotoxic and non-antimicrobial concentrations of an artificial surfactant inhibited the adhesion of 14C-radiolabelled Klebsiella pneumoniae WG14 to embryonic lung epithelial cells L-132. The minimal antiadhesive concentration was 200 ng · ml−1. In a dynamic adhesion test model, already adhering bacteria were removed from the epithelial cell surface by the surfactant. The antiadhesive action might be based on protection of the epithelial cells.