Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Published on: June 24, 2025
[Formation of microbial biofilms in causative agents of acute and chronic pyelonephritis]
Aim:
Study the intensity of formation of microbial biofilms by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated during various forms of pyelonephritis.
Materials And Methods:
150 clinical isolates of microorganisms isolated from urine ofpatientswith acute and chronic pyelonephritiswere included into the study. Determination of intensity of film-formation was carried out by staining of the formed biofilms by crystal violet with consequent extraction of the dye and measurement of its concentration in washout solution.
Results:
Among causative agents ofpyelonephritis P. aeruginosa isolates had the maximum film-forming ability. The intensity of biofilm formation of these isolates was 2-3 time higher than staphylococcus and enterobacteria strains. Strains isolated from patients with chronic pyelonephritis by ability to form biofilms significantly surpassed strains isolated from acute pyelonephritis patients. A higher ability to form microbial biofilms for microorganisms--causative agents of pyelonephritis progressing against the background ofurolithiasis was noted.
Conclusion:
The ability to form biofilms is determined by both causative agent species and character of the infectious process in which this microorganism participates. Intensive formation of biofilms by E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus clinical isolates may be an important factor of chronization of urinary tract infections.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus form biofilms, contributing to chronic urinary tract infections. Biofilm formation is more intense in chronic cases and with co-existing urolithiasis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
Background:
- Microbial biofilms play a critical role in persistent and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Understanding the biofilm-forming capacity of key uropathogens is crucial for managing pyelonephritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biofilm formation intensity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus strains.
- To correlate biofilm formation with different clinical forms of pyelonephritis.
Main Methods:
- Studied 150 clinical isolates from patients with acute and chronic pyelonephritis.
- Quantified biofilm formation using crystal violet staining and spectrophotometric analysis.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the highest biofilm-forming ability, 2-3 times greater than Staphylococcus and Enterobacteriaceae.
- Isolates from chronic pyelonephritis showed significantly higher biofilm formation than those from acute cases.
- Microorganisms causing pyelonephritis associated with urolithiasis demonstrated enhanced biofilm formation.
Conclusions:
- Biofilm formation capacity is influenced by both the microbial species and the characteristics of the infectious process.
- Intensive biofilm formation by these uropathogens may be a key factor in the chronicity of UTIs.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Biofilms
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction

