Disruption of the Enterococcus faecalis-Induced Biofilm on the Intraocular Lens Using Bacteriophages

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Enterococcus faecalis forms biofilms on intraocular lenses, leading to refractory and recurrent endophthalmitis.
• Biofilm formation is often associated with the enterococcus surface protein (esp) gene.
• Current treatments for endophthalmitis may be limited in efficacy against biofilm-forming bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of bacteriophages (phages) and vancomycin in degrading Enterococcus faecalis biofilms on intraocular lenses.
• To evaluate the impact of phage therapy on biofilm structure and bacterial viability.

Main Methods:

• Enterococcus faecalis strains, including esp-positive and esp-negative variants, were used to form biofilms on culture plates and acrylic intraocular lenses.
• Bacteriophages (phiEF14H1) or vancomycin were applied to the biofilms.
• Biofilm quantification was performed using crystal violet staining, and biofilm structure was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Enterococcus faecalis strains formed biofilms, with esp-positive strains exhibiting greater biofilm-forming ability.
• Phages significantly reduced biofilm mass and degraded existing biofilms on intraocular lenses.
• Vancomycin did not demonstrate significant biofilm degradation, while phages reduced viable bacteria within the biofilms.

Conclusions:

• Bacteriophages are effective in degrading Enterococcus faecalis biofilms on intraocular lenses and eliminating bacteria.
• Phage therapy presents a potential novel treatment strategy for endophthalmitis caused by biofilm-forming bacteria, particularly in refractory or recurrent cases.