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Biofilm formation and changes in bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity during growth in a CAPD model system
G W Hanlon1, S P Denyer, N A Hodges
1School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK. g.w.hanlon@bton.ac.uk
Abstract:
Peritonitis is a frequent complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), with patients suffering recurrent attacks. The microorganisms most frequently implicated in the infection are the skin microflora, in particular, the coagulase-negative staphylococci such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. These microorganisms gain access to the peritoneal cavity via the in-dwelling silicone rubber catheter in the abdominal wall and often persist as biofilms on the surface of the catheter. The surface characteristics of S. epidermidis were monitored during growth in a CAPD in-vitro model together with their ability to adhere to silicone rubber substrata. Fresh dialysis fluid exerted an injurious effect on the cells leading to a decrease in cell numbers but during the simulated dialysis period the cells adapted to the applied stresses. Over a 96-h period in the model both a clinical isolate and a skin isolate of S. epidermidis adopted a more hydrophobic phenotype. The data presented here show that the bacteria grown in this in-vivo reflective CAPD model continually adapt to their environment and become more tolerant to the stresses imposed. The adapted cells were seen to colonise silicone rubber substrata.
Insights
Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common cause of peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), adapts to dialysis fluid, becoming more hydrophobic and tolerant. These adapted bacteria effectively colonize silicone catheters, increasing infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Peritonitis is a common complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), often caused by skin microflora like Staphylococcus epidermidis.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis can form biofilms on silicone rubber catheters used in CAPD, leading to persistent infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adaptation of Staphylococcus epidermidis surface characteristics during simulated CAPD conditions.
- To assess the adherence of adapted Staphylococcus epidermidis to silicone rubber substrata.
Main Methods:
- An in-vitro CAPD model was used to simulate dialysis conditions.
- Surface characteristics and adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis to silicone rubber were monitored over 96 hours.
- Both clinical and skin isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis were studied.
Main Results:
- Fresh dialysis fluid initially injured Staphylococcus epidermidis cells, but cells adapted over time.
- Over 96 hours, Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates exhibited increased hydrophobicity.
- Adapted Staphylococcus epidermidis cells demonstrated enhanced colonization of silicone rubber substrata.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis adapts to the stresses of the CAPD environment, developing increased tolerance.
- The adaptation leads to a more hydrophobic phenotype, facilitating colonization of indwelling silicone catheters.
- Understanding bacterial adaptation is crucial for developing strategies to prevent CAPD-related peritonitis.
