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Characterization of biofilms in different clinical M serotypes of Streptococcus pyogenes

Ramalingam Thenmozhi1, Kannan Balaji, Rajesh Kumar

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India.

Journal of Basic Microbiology
|February 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Certain Streptococcus pyogenes strains form dense biofilms, aiding invasive infections. Glucose addition can induce biofilm formation in non-forming strains, and biofilm ability is independent of the sil gene.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pathogen Research
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant human pathogen.
  • Biofilm formation is a key factor in S. pyogenes pathogenesis.
  • Specific M serotypes exhibit varying biofilm-forming capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate biofilm formation in different M serotypes of S. pyogenes.
  • To explore the influence of glucose on biofilm development.
  • To correlate antibiotic resistance with biofilm-forming potential.

Main Methods:

  • Testing eleven M serotypes for biofilm formation over 48 hours.
  • Utilizing XTT reduction assay to measure metabolic activity.
  • Employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) for architectural analysis.

Main Results:

  • M56, M74, M100, M65, M89, and st38 serotypes formed dense biofilms.
  • Metabolic activity decreased with prolonged incubation.
  • Glucose addition induced biofilm formation in a previously non-forming strain (st2147).
  • Erythromycin-sensitive strains showed greater biofilm-forming ability.
  • Biofilm formation was found to be independent of the sil gene.

Conclusions:

  • Several S. pyogenes M serotypes possess the innate ability to form biofilms.
  • Glucose plays a role in promoting biofilm development.
  • Biofilm formation in S. pyogenes is not directly linked to erythromycin resistance or the sil gene.

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