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Published on: December 14, 2016
ABILITY TO FORM BIOFILMS BY PYELONEPHRITIS CAUSATIVE AGENTS IN CHILDREN
М Mishyna1, I Marchenko1, S Malanchuk2
1Kharkiv National Medical University, 1D.P. Grynyov Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology.
Insights
This study investigated how common childhood pyelonephritis bacteria form biofilms in vitro. Findings reveal distinct biofilm structures for each bacterial type, explaining chronic infection patterns.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Pyelonephritis in children often involves recurrent infections.
- Bacterial biofilms are implicated in persistent and chronic urinary tract infections.
- Understanding biofilm formation is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro biofilm formation process of key pyelonephritis pathogens in children.
- To characterize the structural and morphological differences in biofilms produced by various bacterial species.
- To correlate biofilm characteristics with the pathogenesis of chronic pyelonephritis and relapses.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cultivation of pyelonephritis causative agents in polystyrene Petri dishes.
- Microscopic analysis including light, fluorescent, and scanning electron microscopy.
- Observation of bacterial adhesion, matrix formation, and biofilm maturation stages.
Main Results:
- All studied bacterial isolates, including E. coli, Proteus spp., P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and E. faecalis, formed biofilms.
- Distinct biofilm architectures were observed for each bacterial species, characterized by specific cell arrangements and matrix compositions.
- P. aeruginosa biofilms exhibited a dense, gel-like structure, while K. pneumoniae biofilms showed a matrix with canals. E. faecalis biofilms had densely packed cells.
- Biofilm formation involves sequential stages: bacterial adhesion, matrix production, and maturation.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial biofilms are formed by conglomerates of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix.
- The specific nature of the biofilm is dependent on the bacterial species.
- The formation of these diverse biofilms contributes to the chronic and relapsing nature of pyelonephritis in children.
Abstract:
The work is dedicated to the study of biofilms formation process by main pyelonephritis causative agents in children in vitro using methods of light, fluorescent and scanning microscopy. To study biofilms formation bacteria were cultivated in liquid substratum on glass in polystyrene Petri dishes d=40mm. The study demonstrated that all isolates formed biofilms. Adhesion of bacteria planktonic forms took place on the first stage, intracellular matrix formation took place on the second stage, and biofilms formation took place on the third stage. During the study of E. coli and Proteus sрр bacteria preparations with the use of scanning and light microscopy ordered bacteria arrangement was seen in the form of separate structures or tiny clusters of bacterial cells united by matrix. During the study of the ability to form P. aeruginosa isolates biofilms with the help of scanning microscopy it was stated that the adhesion of separate bacterial cells occurs by conglomerates formation surrounded by matrix with further biofilms formation. Bacterial cells in the form of dense elongated sticks were seen under the film. P. аeruginosa isolates daily biofilms were stated to have dense structure in the form of gel. Packed biofilms areas with cells clusters with good fluorescence were found with the help of fluorescent microscopy. During daily K.рneumoniae isolates biofilms study by methods of scanning and fluorescent microscopy it was found that K.рneumoniae biofilms were covered with dense matrix and riddled with multiple canals in the form of apertures. During morphological peculiarities study of E. faecalis isolates biofilms formation with the use of scanning and fluorescent microscopy it was found that bacterial cells were densely packed and united by intracellular matrix under which bacteria of spherical shape were seen. Thus biofilms, the nature of which depends on the type of bacteria, are formed on the surface of conglomerates consisting of bacterial cells. Peculiarities of course and appearance of pyelonephritis chronic form and relapses in children is explained by biofilms formation.
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...

