Interaction between atypical microorganisms and E. coli in catheter-associated urinary tract biofilms |
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Authors: | Andreia S Azevedo Carina Almeida Luís F Melo |
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Institution: | 1. Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, and Energy and Biotechnology Engineering (LEPABE), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;2. Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal |
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Abstract: | Most biofilms involved in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are polymicrobial, with disease causing (eg Escherichia coli) and atypical microorganisms (eg Delftia tsuruhatensis) frequently inhabiting the same catheter. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge about the role of atypical microorganisms. Here, single and dual-species biofilms consisting of E. coli and atypical bacteria (D. tsuruhatensis and Achromobacter xylosoxidans), were evaluated. All species were good biofilm producers (Log 5.84–7.25 CFU cm?2 at 192?h) in artificial urine. The ability of atypical species to form a biofilm appeared to be hampered by the presence of E. coli. Additionally, when E. coli was added to a pre-formed biofilm of the atypical species, it seemed to take advantage of the first colonizers to accelerate adhesion, even when added at lower concentrations. The results suggest a greater ability of E. coli to form biofilms in conditions mimicking the CAUTIs, whatever the pre-existing microbiota and the inoculum concentration. |
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Keywords: | Escherichia coli atypical species multispecies biofilms urinary tract infections urinary catheters |
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