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Murine Corneal Transplantation: A Model to Study the Most Common Form of Solid Organ Transplantation
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Murine Corneal Transplantation: A Model to Study the Most Common Form of Solid Organ Transplantation

Published on: November 17, 2014

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Biofilm formation by multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from solid organ transplant recipients

José Ramos-Vivas1, Itziar Chapartegui-González1, Marta Fernández-Martínez2

  • 1Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Avd. Cardenal Herrera Oria, 39011, Santander, Spain.

Scientific Reports
|June 22, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose infection risks for solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Klebsiella pneumoniae strains showed significant biofilm formation, suggesting a role in SOT patient colonization and infection.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Transplant Surgery

Background:

  • Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are highly susceptible to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections.
  • Early colonization with MDR bacteria in the gut is a significant concern for SOT patients.
  • Understanding bacterial virulence factors like biofilm formation is crucial for preventing post-transplant infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the biofilm-forming capability of MDR bacterial strains isolated from SOT recipients.
  • To determine the association between biofilm production and clinical outcomes, specifically post-transplant infections.
  • To assess the role of biofilm formation as a colonization factor in MDR bacteria within SOT patients.

Main Methods:

  • Collected 209 MDR strains (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp.) from rectal swabs of SOT patients within 48 hours of transplant.
  • Assessed biofilm-forming capability using a microplate assay.
  • Correlated in vitro biofilm production with clinical data on patient colonization and infection development.

Main Results:

  • A high percentage of Klebsiella pneumoniae (73%) exhibited moderate to strong biofilm production, compared to Escherichia coli (16%) and Enterobacter spp. (4%).
  • Nine MDR strains isolated from infection sites post-transplantation were identified.
  • Several colonizing strains, particularly K. pneumoniae, isolated pre- or post-transplant were linked to subsequent infections, with biofilm formation potentially playing a role.

Conclusions:

  • In vitro biofilm formation appears to be a significant factor for intestinal adhesion and colonization by MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae in SOT recipients.
  • Biofilm formation seems less critical for colonization and infection by MDR Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp. in this patient population.
  • Targeting biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae could be a strategy to reduce infection risk in SOT patients.

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