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The Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm-associated protein plays a role in adherence to human epithelial cells

Kari A Brossard1, Anthony A Campagnari

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Witebsky Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, University at Buffalo, The State Univesity of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.

Infection and Immunity
|November 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm-associated protein (Bap) is crucial for forming mature biofilms on medical surfaces. Bap also mediates bacterial adherence to human cells, increasing infection risk.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections globally.
  • This opportunistic pathogen can persist on various abiotic surfaces in healthcare settings, making eradication challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm-associated protein (Bap) in biofilm formation.
  • To determine Bap's involvement in bacterial adherence to eukaryotic cells and its impact on cell surface properties.

Main Methods:

  • Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze biofilm structures.
  • Bacterial adherence assays were performed using human bronchial epithelial cells and keratinocytes.
  • Bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity was measured.

Main Results:

  • The A. baumannii biofilm-associated protein (Bap) is essential for mature biofilm development on polypropylene, polystyrene, and titanium.
  • Bap is required for the formation of three-dimensional biofilm structures and water channels.
  • Bap mediates bacterial adherence to human bronchial epithelial cells and keratinocytes but not internalization.
  • The presence of Bap significantly increases bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity.

Conclusions:

  • The biofilm-associated protein (Bap) plays a critical role in Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm formation on medical surfaces.
  • Bap is a key factor in the adherence of A. baumannii to host cells, contributing to colonization and infection.
  • Understanding Bap's function provides insights into controlling A. baumannii infections in healthcare environments.

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