scholarly journals Involvement of motility and flagella in Bacillus cereus biofilm formation

Microbiology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 156 (4) ◽  
pp. 1009-1018 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Houry ◽  
R. Briandet ◽  
S. Aymerich ◽  
M. Gohar
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Cereus ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Flagellar Apparatus ◽  
Flow Cells ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Glass Tubes ◽  
Static Conditions ◽  
Glass Surfaces ◽  
Air Liquid Interface

Bacillus cereus is a food-borne pathogen and a frequent contaminant of food production plants. The persistence of this pathogen in various environments results from the formation of spores and of biofilms. To investigate the role of the B. cereus flagellar apparatus in biofilm formation, we constructed a non-flagellated mutant and a flagellated but non-motile mutant. Unexpectedly, we found that the presence of flagella decreased the adhesion of the bacterium to glass surfaces. We hypothesize that this decrease is a consequence of the flagella hindering a direct interaction between the bacterial cell wall and the surface. In contrast, in specific conditions, motility promotes biofilm formation. Our results suggest that motility could influence biofilm formation by three mechanisms. Motility is necessary for the bacteria to reach surfaces suitable for biofilm formation. In static conditions, reaching the air–liquid interface, where the biofilm forms, is a strong requirement, whereas in flow cells bacteria can have access to the bottom glass slide by sedimentation. Therefore, motility is important for biofilm formation in glass tubes and in microtitre plates, but not in flow cells. Motility also promotes recruitment of planktonic cells within the biofilm by allowing motile bacteria to invade the whole biofilm. Finally, motility is involved in the spreading of the biofilm on glass surfaces.

scholarly journals Air-Liquid Interface Biofilms of Bacillus cereus: Formation, Sporulation, and Dispersion

2007 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 1481-1488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janneke G. E. Wijman ◽  
Patrick P. L. A. de Leeuw ◽  
Roy Moezelaar ◽  
Marcel H. Zwietering ◽  
Tjakko Abee
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Cereus ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Liquid Interface ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Microtiter Plates ◽  
Production Environments ◽  
Piping Systems ◽  
Industrial Storage ◽  
Air Liquid Interface

ABSTRACT Biofilm formation by Bacillus cereus was assessed using 56 strains of B. cereus, including the two sequenced strains, ATCC 14579 and ATCC 10987. Biofilm production in microtiter plates was found to be strongly dependent on incubation time, temperature, and medium, as well as the strain used, with some strains showing biofilm formation within 24 h and subsequent dispersion within the next 24 h. A selection of strains was used for quantitative analysis of biofilm formation on stainless steel coupons. Thick biofilms of B. cereus developed at the air-liquid interface, while the amount of biofilm formed was much lower in submerged systems. This suggests that B. cereus biofilms may develop particularly in industrial storage and piping systems that are partly filled during operation or where residual liquid has remained after a production cycle. Moreover, depending on the strain and culture conditions, spores constituted up to 90% of the total biofilm counts. This indicates that B. cereus biofilms can act as a nidus for spore formation and subsequently can release their spores into food production environments.

scholarly journals Sporulation is dispensable for the vegetable-associated life cycle of the human pathogen Bacillus cereus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Luisa Antequera-Gómez ◽  
Luis Díaz-Martínez ◽  
Juan Antonio Guadix ◽  
Ana María Sánchez-Tévar ◽  
Sara Sopeña-Torres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Bacillus Cereus ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Adaptive Traits ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Pathogenic Interaction

AbstractBacillus cereus is a common food-borne pathogen that is responsible for important outbreaks of food poisoning in humans. Diseases caused by B. cereus usually exhibit two major symptoms, emetic or diarrheic, depending on the toxins produced. It is assumed that after the ingestion of contaminated vegetables or processed food, spores of enterotoxigenic B. cereus reach the intestine, where they germinate and produce the enterotoxins that are responsible for food poisoning. In our study, we observed that sporulation is required for the survival of B. cereus in leaves but is dispensable in ready-to-eat vegetables, such as endives. We demonstrate that vegetative cells of B. cereus that are originally impaired in sporulation but not biofilm formation are able to reach the intestine and cause severe disorders in a murine model. We propose that loss of part of the sporulation programme and reinforcement of structural factors related to adhesion, biofilm formation and pathogenic interaction with the host are adaptive traits of B. cereus with a life cycle primarily related to human hosts. Furthermore, our findings emphasise that the number of food poisoning cases associated with B. cereus is underestimated and suggest the need to revise the detection protocols, which are based primarily on spores and toxins.

scholarly journals Characterization of Monospecies Biofilm Formation by Helicobacter pylori

2004 ◽  
Vol 186 (10) ◽  
pp. 3124-3132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheri P. Cole ◽  
Julia Harwood ◽  
Richard Lee ◽  
Rosemary She ◽  
Donald G. Guiney
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Scanning Electron Micrographs ◽  
Planktonic Growth ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Third Dimension ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Glass Surfaces ◽  
Air Liquid Interface ◽  
Selective Enhancement

ABSTRACT As all bacteria studied to date, the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori has an alternate lifestyle as a biofilm. H. pylori forms biofilms on glass surfaces at the air-liquid interface in stationary or shaking batch cultures. By light microscopy, we have observed attachment of individual, spiral H. pylori to glass surfaces, followed by division to form microcolonies, merging of individual microcolonies, and growth in the third dimension. Scanning electron micrographs showed H. pylori arranged in a matrix on the glass with channels for nutrient flow, typical of other bacterial biofilms. To understand the importance of biofilms to the H. pylori life cycle, we tested the effect of mucin on biofilm formation. Our results showed that 10% mucin greatly increased the number of planktonic H. pylori while not affecting biofilm bacteria, resulting in a decline in percent adherence to the glass. This suggests that in the mucus-rich stomach, H. pylori planktonic growth is favored over biofilm formation. We also investigated the effect of specific mutations in several genes, including the quorum-sensing gene, luxS, and the cagE type IV secretion gene. Both of these mutants were found to form biofilms approximately twofold more efficiently than the wild type in both assays. These results indicate the relative importance of these genes to the production of biofilms by H. pylori and the selective enhancement of planktonic growth in the presence of gastric mucin.

scholarly journals Production of Antibacterial Compounds and Biofilm Formation by Roseobacter Species Are Influenced by Culture Conditions

2006 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 442-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesper Bartholin Bruhn ◽  
Lone Gram ◽  
Robert Belas
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Selective Advantage ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Rosette Formation ◽  
Antibacterial Compounds ◽  
Antibacterial Compound ◽  
Marine Algal ◽  
Static Conditions ◽  
Air Liquid Interface

ABSTRACT Bacterial communities associated with marine algae are often dominated by members of the Roseobacter clade, and in the present study, we describe Roseobacter phenotypes that may provide this group of bacteria with selective advantages when colonizing this niche. Nine of 14 members of the Roseobacter clade, of which half were isolated from cultures of the dinoflagellate Pfiesteria piscicida, produced antibacterial compounds. Many non-Roseobacter marine bacteria were inhibited by sterile filtered supernatants of Silicibacter sp. TM1040 and Phaeobacter (formerly Roseobacter) strain 27-4, which had the highest production of antibacterial compound. In contrast, Roseobacter strains were susceptible only when exposed to concentrated compound. The production of antibacterial compound was influenced by the growth conditions, as production was most pronounced when bacteria were grown in liquid medium under static conditions. Under these conditions, Silicibacter sp. TM1040 cells attached to one another, forming rosettes, as has previously been reported for Phaeobacter 27-4. A spontaneous Phaeobacter 27-4 mutant unable to form rosettes was also defective in biofilm formation and the production of antibacterial compound, indicating a possible link between these phenotypes. Rosette formation was observed in 8 of 14 Roseobacter clade strains examined and was very pronounced under static growth in 5 of these strains. Attachment to surfaces and biofilm formation at the air-liquid interface by these five strains was greatly facilitated by growth conditions that favored rosette formation, and rosette-forming strains were 13 to 30 times more efficient in attaching to glass compared to strains under conditions where rosette formation was not pronounced. We hypothesize that the ability to produce antibacterial compounds that principally inhibit non-Roseobacter species, combined with an enhancement in biofilm formation, may give members of the Roseobacter clade a selective advantage and help to explain the dominance of members of this clade in association with marine algal microbiota.

Inhibition of Bacterial Biofilm Formation by Phytotherapeutics with Focus on Overcoming Antimicrobial Resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (24) ◽  
pp. 2807-2816 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Su Jang ◽  
Tímea Mosolygó
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Scientific Attention

: Bacteria within biofilms are more resistant to antibiotics and chemical agents than planktonic bacteria in suspension. Treatment of biofilm-associated infections inevitably involves high dosages and prolonged courses of antimicrobial agents; therefore, there is a potential risk of the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Due to the high prevalence of AMR and its association with biofilm formation, investigation of more effective anti-biofilm agents is required. : From ancient times, herbs and spices have been used to preserve foods, and their antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing properties are well known. Moreover, phytochemicals exert their anti-biofilm properties at sub-inhibitory concentrations without providing the opportunity for the emergence of resistant bacteria or harming the host microbiota. : With increasing scientific attention to natural phytotherapeutic agents, numerous experimental investigations have been conducted in recent years. The present paper aims to review the articles published in the last decade in order to summarize a) our current understanding of AMR in correlation with biofilm formation and b) the evidence of phytotherapeutic agents against bacterial biofilms and their mechanisms of action. The main focus has been put on herbal anti-biofilm compounds tested to date in association with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and food-borne pathogens (Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli).

Biofilm Formation and Associated Genes in Listeria Monocytogenes

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Warke ◽  
V. C. Ingle ◽  
N. V. Kurkure ◽  
P. A. Tembhurne ◽  
Minakshi Prasad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Multiplex Pcr ◽  
Food Processing ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Biofilm Production ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Serious Infections ◽  
Microtiter Assay

Listeria monocytogenes, an opportunistic food borne pathogen can cause serious infections in immunocompromised individuals. L. monocytogenes is capable of producing biofilm on the surface of food processing lines and instruments.The biofilm transfers contamination to food products and impose risk to public health. In the present study biofilm producing ability of L. monocytogenes isolates were investigated phenotypically and genotypically by microtiter assay and multiplex PCR, respectively. Out of 38 L. monocytogenes isolates 14 were recovered from animal clinical cases, 12 bovine environment and 12 from milk samples. A total of 3 (21.42%) clinical, 2 (16.66%) environment and 3 (25%) milk samples respectively, revealed biofilm production in microtiter assay. Cumulative results showed that 23 (60.52%) out of 38 strains of L. monocytogenes were positive for luxS and flaA gene and 1 (2.63%) was positive only for the flaA gene.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial and Immunomodulating Activities of Two Endemic Nepeta Species and Their Major Iridoids Isolated from Natural Sources

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 414
Author(s):  
Neda Aničić ◽  
Uroš Gašić ◽  
Feng Lu ◽  
Ana Ćirić ◽  
Marija Ivanov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Balkan Peninsula ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Metabolite Profiles ◽  
Aspergillus Sp ◽  
First Time

Two Balkan Peninsula endemics, Nepeta rtanjensis and N. argolica subsp. argolica, both characterized by specialized metabolite profiles predominated by iridoids and phenolics, are differentiated according to the stereochemistry of major iridoid aglycone nepetalactone (NL). For the first time, the present study provides a comparative analysis of antimicrobial and immunomodulating activities of the two Nepeta species and their major iridoids isolated from natural sources—cis,trans-NL, trans,cis-NL, and 1,5,9-epideoxyloganic acid (1,5,9-eDLA), as well as of phenolic acid rosmarinic acid (RA). Methanol extracts and pure iridoids displayed excellent antimicrobial activity against eight strains of bacteria and seven strains of fungi. They were especially potent against food-borne pathogens such as L. monocytogenes, E. coli, S. aureus, Penicillium sp., and Aspergillus sp. Targeted iridoids were efficient agents in preventing biofilm formation of resistant P. aeruginosa strain, and they displayed additive antimicrobial interaction. Iridoids are, to a great extent, responsible for the prominent antimicrobial activities of the two Nepeta species, although are probably minor contributors to the moderate immunomodulatory effects. The analyzed iridoids and RA, individually or in mixtures, have the potential to be used in the pharmaceutical industry as potent antimicrobials, and in the food industry to increase the shelf life and safety of food products.

scholarly journals A Real-Time Thermal Sensor System for Quantifying the Inhibitory Effect of Antimicrobial Peptides on Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2771
Author(s):  
Tobias Wieland ◽  
Julia Assmann ◽  
Astrid Bethe ◽  
Christian Fidelak ◽  
Helena Gmoser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Bacterial Adhesion ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Bovine Mastitis ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Thermal Sensor ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Static Conditions

The increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogenic bacteria is a global threat to human and veterinary medicine. Beyond antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) might be an alternative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, including AMR pathogens, on different surfaces. Biofilm formation, which starts out as bacterial adhesion, poses additional challenges for antibiotics targeting bacterial cells. The objective of this study was to establish a real-time method for the monitoring of the inhibition of (a) bacterial adhesion to a defined substrate and (b) biofilm formation by AMPs using an innovative thermal sensor. We provide evidence that the thermal sensor enables continuous monitoring of the effect of two potent AMPs, protamine and OH-CATH-30, on surface colonization of bovine mastitis-associated Escherichia (E.) coli and Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. The bacteria were grown under static conditions on the surface of the sensor membrane, on which temperature oscillations generated by a heater structure were detected by an amorphous germanium thermistor. Bacterial adhesion, which was confirmed by white light interferometry, caused a detectable amplitude change and phase shift. To our knowledge, the thermal measurement system has never been used to assess the effect of AMPs on bacterial adhesion in real time before. The system could be used to screen and evaluate bacterial adhesion inhibition of both known and novel AMPs.

Effect of Thymus ciliatus oil-based disinfectant solutions against bio-films formed by Bacillus cereus strains isolated from pasteurized-milk processing lines in Algeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-12
Author(s):  
Amina Kalai ◽  
Fadila Malek ◽  
Leila Bousmaha-Marroki
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Bacillus Cereus ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Chemical Cleaning ◽  
Pasteurized Milk ◽  
Thyme Oil ◽  
Milk Processing ◽  
Planktonic Growth

Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen that often persists in dairy environments and is associated with food poisoning and spoilage. This spore-forming bacterium has a high propensity to develop biofilms onto dairy processing equipment and resists to chemical cleaning and disinfecting. This study deals with the in vitro application of thyme oil-based sanitizer solutions against biofilms formed by B. cereus genotypes which persist in pasteurized-milk processing lines. The effect of Thymus ciliatus essential oil on B. cereus planktonic cells and biofilms was assessed. The oil was tested alone and in combination with organic acids or industrial cleaning agents, in order to improve the removal of B. cereus recurrent genotypes. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of planktonic growth (MICs), biofilm formation (MBIC) and biofilm eradication (MBEC) of oil and organic acids were evaluated by microdilution assays. Thyme oil was more effective than organic acids against B. cereus planktonic growth, biofilm formation and established bio-films. High values of MICs were obtained for the three organic acids tested (3.5-4.5%) in comparison with those of essential oil (0.082-0.088%). The combination of oil with other antimicrobials as acetic acid, NaOH or HNO3 improves their effectiveness against B. cereus biofilms. These oil-based sanitizer solutions allow complete B. cereus biofilm eradication and should be an attractive candidate for the control and removal of biofilms in the dairy envi-ronment.

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