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Polymicrobial biofilms by diabetic foot clinical isolates.
Carla Mottola1, João J Mendes2, José Melo Cristino3
1Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
Folia Microbiologica
|June 25, 2015
Summary
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are often infected by polymicrobial biofilms. These complex bacterial communities, especially when involving multiple species, significantly enhance biofilm formation, complicating DFU treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern.
- Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a costly complication, often infected by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Polymicrobial biofilms are implicated in the chronicity of DFU infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biofilm-forming capacity of bacterial isolates from DFUs.
- To evaluate the influence of polymicrobial communities on biofilm production over time.
- To understand the clinical implications of bacterial interactions in DFU biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Assessed biofilm formation in 95 DFU isolates (Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter) using microtiter plate assays.
- Utilized multiplex fluorescent in situ hybridization to analyze biofilm structure.
- Incubated cultures at three time points (24, 48, 72 hours) to observe biofilm development.
Main Results:
- All DFU isolates formed biofilms within 24 hours, with increased production over time.
- Pseudomonas species exhibited the highest biofilm production, followed by Corynebacterium, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus.
- Polymicrobial communities demonstrated significantly higher biofilm formation compared to single species, with specific synergistic combinations noted.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial species from DFUs readily form biofilms, with production increasing over time.
- Polymicrobial interactions significantly enhance biofilm formation, suggesting synergistic effects.
- Understanding these polymicrobial dynamics is crucial for developing effective DFU treatment strategies.
