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Quantification, Viability Assessment, and Visualization Strategies for Acinetobacter Biofilms
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Quantification, Viability Assessment, and Visualization Strategies for Acinetobacter Biofilms

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Biofilm formation by Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from urinary tract infection and urinary catheters

Nadia Kazemi Pour1, Devendra H Dusane, Prashant K Dhakephalkar

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Pune, Pune, India.

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology
|May 17, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Acinetobacter baumannii, a common cause of urinary tract infections, forms robust biofilms on medical devices. This study reveals biofilm formation is influenced by environmental factors and not plasmid-cured in A. baumannii.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Acinetobacter species, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii, are significant opportunistic pathogens.
  • Urinary tract infections and catheter-associated infections are common clinical problems.
  • Biofilm formation is a key virulence factor for Acinetobacter species in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize Acinetobacter isolates from urinary samples.
  • To investigate factors influencing biofilm formation in Acinetobacter baumannii.
  • To explore the role of plasmids in antibiotic resistance and biofilm production.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and identification of Acinetobacter species using Analytical Profile Index.
  • Assessment of bacterial hydrophobicity and lectin activity.
  • Biofilm quantification and visualization using microscopy (light, epifluorescence, scanning electron).
  • Optimization of biofilm formation conditions (temperature, pH, NaCl concentration).
  • Investigation of colistin's effect on biofilm and plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance via conjugation, transformation, and plasmid curing.

Main Results:

  • 47 of 50 isolates were identified as Acinetobacter baumannii.
  • Six A. baumannii isolates exhibited high hydrophobicity (>70%), and 20 showed lectin activity.
  • Biofilm formation was optimal at 30°C, pH 7.0, and 5.0 g/L NaCl.
  • Biofilm efficiency decreased on urinary catheter surfaces and with sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of colistin.
  • Plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance was confirmed, but plasmid curing did not affect biofilm formation capabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii strains possess significant biofilm-forming capabilities, contributing to persistence in clinical environments.
  • Environmental conditions significantly impact biofilm production.
  • While plasmids carry antibiotic resistance genes, they do not appear to be essential for biofilm formation in the studied A. baumannii isolates.
  • The findings highlight the importance of understanding biofilm dynamics for managing device-related infections.

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