@article{SchiebelBoehmNitschkeetal.2017, author = {Schiebel, Juliane and Boehm, Alexander and Nitschke, Joerg and Burdukiewicz, Michal and Weinreich, Joerg and Ali, Aamir and Roggenbuck, Dirk and Roediger, Stefan and Schierack, Peter}, title = {Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics Associated with Biofilm Formation by Human Clinical Escherichia coli Isolates of Different Pathotypes}, series = {Applied and environmental microbiology}, volume = {83}, journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology}, publisher = {American Society for Microbiology}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0099-2240}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.01660-17}, pages = {15}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Bacterial biofilm formation is a widespread phenomenon and a complex process requiring a set of genes facilitating the initial adhesion, maturation, and production of the extracellular polymeric matrix and subsequent dispersal of bacteria. Most studies on Escherichia coli biofilm formation have investigated nonpathogenic E. coli K-12 strains. Due to the extensive focus on laboratory strains in most studies, there is poor information regarding biofilm formation by pathogenic E. coli isolates. In this study, we genotypically and phenotypically characterized 187 human clinical E. coli isolates representing various pathotypes (e.g., uropathogenic, enteropathogenic, and enteroaggregative E. coli). We investigated the presence of biofilm-associated genes ("genotype") and phenotypically analyzed the isolates for motility and curli and cellulose production ("phenotype"). We developed a new screening method to examine the in vitro biofilm formation ability. In summary, we found a high prevalence of biofilm-associated genes. However, we could not detect a biofilm-associated gene or specific phenotype correlating with the biofilm formation ability. In contrast, we did identify an association of increased biofilm formation with a specific E. coli pathotype. Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) was found to exhibit the highest capacity for biofilm formation. Using our image-based technology for the screening of biofilm formation, we demonstrated the characteristic biofilm formation pattern of EAEC, consisting of thick bacterial aggregates. In summary, our results highlight the fact that biofilm-promoting factors shown to be critical for biofilm formation in nonpathogenic strains do not reflect their impact in clinical isolates and that the ability of biofilm formation is a defined characteristic of EAEC. IMPORTANCE Bacterial biofilms are ubiquitous and consist of sessile bacterial cells surrounded by a self-produced extracellular polymeric matrix. They cause chronic and device-related infections due to their high resistance to antibiotics and the host immune system. In nonpathogenic Escherichia coli, cell surface components playing a pivotal role in biofilm formation are well known. In contrast, there is poor information for their role in biofilm formation of pathogenic isolates. Our study provides insights into the correlation of biofilm-associated genes or specific phenotypes with the biofilm formation ability of commensal and pathogenic E. coli. Additionally, we describe a newly developed method enabling qualitative biofilm analysis by automated image analysis, which is beneficial for high-throughput screenings. Our results help to establish a better understanding of E. coli biofilm formation.}, language = {en} } @article{NawazKhanNoacketal.2020, author = {Nawaz, Shiza and Khan, Muhammad Moman and Noack, Jonas and Awan, Asad Bashir and Schiebel, Juliane and Roggenbuck, Dirk and Schierack, Peter and Sarwar, Yasra and Ali, Aamir}, title = {Rapid detection of biofilm formation by zoonotic serovars of Salmonella enterica and avian pathogenic E. coli isolates from poultry}, series = {Pakistan veterinary journal}, volume = {40}, journal = {Pakistan veterinary journal}, number = {4}, publisher = {University of Agriculture, Faculty of Veterinary Science}, address = {Faisalabad}, issn = {0253-8318}, doi = {10.29261/pakvetj/2020.066}, pages = {527 -- 530}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Biofilms are complex, sessile microbial communities that are problematic in clinical settings due to their association with survival and pathogenicity of bacteria. The biofilm formation supporting conditions for zoonotic serovars of Salmonella and avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) from poultry have not been well studied yet. Clinical isolates of zoonotic Salmonella and APEC from poultry were evaluated for biofilm formation in four media at 37 degrees C and 40 degrees C after incubation of 48 and 72 hrs. The biofilms formed in 96 well plates were visualized and quantified with a new module of Aklides system using fluorescence microscope coupled with automated VideoScan Technology. After 72 hrs, brain heart infusion at 40 degrees C and Rappaport-Vassiliadis Soya broth at 37 degrees C were found most suitable for APEC and Salmonella biofilm formations respectively. The new information will be useful for further biofilm associated studies particularly for evaluation of antibiofilm compounds and contribute in infection control. (C) 2020 PVJ. All rights reserved}, language = {en} }