Enterococcus faecalis strains show culture heterogeneity in cell surface charge

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Medical Science
• Biophysics

Background:

• Microbial adhesion is a key virulence factor.
• Enterococcus faecalis adheres to surfaces and forms biofilms, notably on biliary stents.
• Understanding adhesion mechanisms is crucial for combating opportunistic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate biochemical and physico-chemical factors influencing Enterococcus faecalis adhesion.
• To determine the role of culture heterogeneity in zeta potential on adhesion.
• To assess the impact of ox bile on these properties.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of E. faecalis strains from biliary stents.
• Analysis of aggregation substances (Aggs) and enterococcal surface protein (esp).
• Measurement of zeta potential, cell surface hydrophobicity, and ox bile influence.

Main Results:

• Culture heterogeneity in pH-dependent zeta potential was observed in a significant proportion of E. faecalis isolates.
• This heterogeneity is a stable trait, independent of quorum sensing, plasmids, esp, and Agg.
• Culture heterogeneity in zeta potential was shown to enhance adhesion to abiotic surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Culture heterogeneity in zeta potential is a novel factor promoting E. faecalis adhesion.
• This phenomenon may play a role in the virulence of pathogenic E. faecalis strains.
• Further research into zeta potential heterogeneity could inform strategies against E. faecalis infections.