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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification
Published on: May 6, 2018
Effect of bile salts on the DNA and membrane integrity of enteric bacteria
Megan E Merritt1, Janet R Donaldson1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Box GY, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
Abstract:
Enteric bacteria are able to resist the high concentrations of bile encountered throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Here we review the current mechanisms identified in the enteric bacteria Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes to resist the dangerous effects of bile. We describe the role of membrane transport systems, and their connection with DNA repair pathways, in conferring bile resistance to these enterics. We discuss the findings from recent investigations that indicate bile tolerance is dependent upon being able to resist the detergent properties of bile at both the membrane and DNA level.
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