Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

Characterisation of biofilm formation by a Streptococcus suis meningitis isolate

Daniel Grenier1, Louis Grignon, Marcelo Gottschalk

  • 1Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Buccale, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada G1K 7P4. Daniel.Grenier@greb.ulaval.ca

Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|October 30, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 forms dense biofilms on glucose, fructose, or sucrose, showing increased resistance to penicillin G and ampicillin. This biofilm formation is linked to polysaccharide production.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Veterinary Science
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is a significant swine pathogen.
  • Biofilm formation by S. suis can impact virulence and treatment efficacy.
  • Understanding S. suis biofilm characteristics is crucial for controlling infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize biofilm formation by a specific strain of Streptococcus suis serotype 2.
  • To investigate the influence of different carbohydrate sources on biofilm development.
  • To assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of S. suis in biofilms compared to planktonic cultures.

Main Methods:

  • Polystyrene microtitre plate assays were used to evaluate biofilm formation.
  • Congo red agar assay was employed to detect polysaccharide production.
  • Transmission electron microscopy visualized bacterial cell structures and associated materials.
  • Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations determined antimicrobial resistance.

Main Results:

  • The S. suis strain (95-8242) formed dense biofilms with glucose, fructose, or sucrose, but not lactose.
  • Polysaccharide production was confirmed in biofilm-forming strains.
  • Electron microscopy revealed a thick layer of polycationic material surrounding bacterial cells.
  • S. suis in biofilms exhibited greater resistance to penicillin G and ampicillin than planktonic cells.

Conclusions:

  • Carbohydrate availability significantly influences S. suis biofilm formation.
  • Biofilm matrix components, including polysaccharides, play a role in S. suis virulence.
  • S. suis biofilms confer enhanced tolerance to common antibiotics, complicating treatment strategies.

More Related Videos

Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification10:05

Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification

Published on: May 6, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Biofilms01:29

Biofilms

Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Colonisation of Pathogens01:25

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...