In vitro Actinomyces israelii biofilm development on IUD copper surfaces

Female pelvic actinomycosis may involve fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus and bladder. This condition is often associated with the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs), vaginal pessaries and/or tampons. The predominant causative agent of human actinomycosis is Actinomyces israelii, which has been found on copper IUDs retrieved from patients.

In this work, a biofilm of A. israelii was developed in vitro on copper surfaces immersed in a simulated uterine fluid under anaerobic conditions. The biofilm was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray and atomic force microscopy.

The capacity of A. israelii to develop a biofilm over copper surfaces in synthetic media was demonstrated. SEM micrographies illustrate the exopolysaccharides production and bacterial distribution.

A. israelii was able to attach and grow in synthetic intrauterine media and to present on the copper surface is likely due to the production of biofilm.