ABSTRACT
AIM: To evaluate modulatory effect of verapamil (VP) in rifampicin (RIF) activity and its effect in efflux pumps (EPs) transcript levels in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. MATERIALS & METHODS: RIF and VP minimal inhibitory concentration, combinatory effect and detection of mutations were determined in 16 isolates. EPs transcript levels were determined in four isolates by real-time PCR after exposure to drugs. RESULTS: VP showed good combinatory effect among RIF-resistant isolates. This effect was also observed in the relative transcript levels of EPs, mainly after 72 h of exposure, depending on the EP gene, genotype and the resistance profile of the isolate. CONCLUSION: Additional regulatory mechanisms in the EP activities, as well as, interactions with other drug-specific resistance mechanisms need further investigation in M. tuberculosis.
