Haemophilus influnezae ability to form biofilms may be linked to virulence in non-typable isolates
Résumé
Introduction
Non-typeable Haemophilus Influenzae (NTHi) is responsible for invasive infections that are
encountered frequently in older adults but encountered in all age groups. Biofilms represent
a protective mechanism that enhances bacterial resistance to clearance. Biofilm formation by
Hi has been studied in only a limited number of strains, and a repertoire of genes and bacterial
surface structures have been implicated in biofilm formation and maturation. These include
type IV pili over-expression, the presence of fimbriae, quorum sensing, the presence of outer
membrane proteins P2 and P5, and the presence of phosphorylcholine and sialic acid in the
lipooligosaccharide molecule.
Aim
To understand the relationship between biofilm formation and virulence.
Materials and Methods
We analyzed the ability of NTHi and typeable isolates to form biofilms using plate assay with
crystal violet staining. WGS was used to characterize Hi according to schemes of genes involved
in biofilm formation.
Results
Invasive NTHi isolates trend towards higher biofilm indices than invasive typeable isolates
regardless of age or clinical forms.
Conclusions
NTHi isolates lack capsule and biofilm formation may enhance NTHi survival upon acquisition and
contribute to bacterial growth and invasiveness.
Domaines
Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)