Investigates the Effects of the Sound Waves on the Growth and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (Esbl)-Producing E. Coli

Antibiotic-resistant microbes have been closely associated with drug misuse and careless drug disposal, indicating a mutualistic relationship between certain environmental conditions and antibiotic resistance. This study investigates the effects of the sound on the growth and antibiotic susceptibility of ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-E. coli). We examined how various frequencies, intensities, and powers of sound exposure influenced E. coli development and antibiotic resistance. Our findings revealed that E. coli exposed to sound waves exhibited a more rapid specific growth rate and higher biomass compared to the control group. Specifically, the average length of E. coli cells increased by over 27.26%. The stimulation group experienced maximum biomass and specific growth rates approximately 1.7 and 2.5 times higher than the control group when exposed to an 8000 Hz, 80 dB sound wave. Before receiving sound treatment, ESBL-E. coli showed resistance to four antibiotics: amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, trimethoprim/sulfonamides, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. However, post-treatment susceptibility tests indicated that these antibiotics became effective. The study demonstrates that the moderate sound wave significantly impacts multidrug-resistant ESBL-E. coli. Attempts to enhance the sound effect using probiotic bacteria from kefir and kombucha showed no improvement. Notably, certain Moderate sound verses had a profound impact on E. coli, suggesting a unique approach to combating antibiotic resistance. Considering projections that effective antibiotics might be scarce between 2030 and 2050, this study offers a promising alternative. This groundbreaking research holds significant potential for application in Saudi Arabia and globally. We have secured a patent for this innovation from the United States of America, underscoring its importance and potential impact.