[FUNCTION OF INTERCELLULAR ADHESION A, FIBRINOGEN BINDING PROTEIN, AND ACCUMULATION-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN GENES IN...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Medical Mycology

Background:

• Biofilms are complex microbial communities that contribute to persistent infections.
• Understanding the interactions between different microbial species within biofilms is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of intercellular adhesion A (icaA), fibrinogen binding protein (fbe), and accumulation-associated protein (aap) genes in the formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis-Candida albicans mixed-species biofilms.

Main Methods:

• In vitro biofilm models were created using single cultures of S. epidermidis or C. albicans, and co-cultures of both species.
• Biofilm mass was quantified using crystal violet assay, and growth kinetics were determined by XTT assay.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) visualized biofilm ultrastructure, and gene expression was analyzed via real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.

Main Results:

• Mixed-species biofilms exhibited greater thickness and complexity compared to single-species biofilms.
• Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of icaA, fbe, and aap in the mixed biofilm group compared to S. epidermidis alone.
• Growth kinetics indicated enhanced proliferation in mixed biofilms.

Conclusions:

• Staphylococcus epidermidis-Candida albicans mixed biofilms are more robust than single-species biofilms.
• The increased biofilm formation is associated with the enhanced expression of specific S. epidermidis genes (icaA, fbe, aap).