Biofilm formation by Neisseria meningitidis.
Biofilm formation by the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis was analyzed. Biofilm-forming meningococcal strains were identified and quantitated by crystal violet staining. Laser scanning confocal microscopy of the meningococcal biofilm revealed variable layers up to 90 microm in thickness. A total of 39 meningococcal isolates were studied; 23 were nasopharyngeal-carriage isolates, and 16 were invasive-disease isolates. Thirty percent of carriage isolates and 12.5% of invasive-disease isolates formed biofilms proficiently on a polystyrene surface. Generally, the strains that formed biofilms showed high-level cell surface hydrophobicity, characteristic of strains lacking a capsule. The inhibitory role of capsule in biofilm formation was further confirmed by comparing the biofilm-forming capabilities of a serogroup B wild-type strain of a disease-associated isolate to those of its capsule-deficient mutant (ctrA). Some strains of meningococci form biofilms, and this process is likely important in menigococcal colonization.
Yi
Kyungcheol
K
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. kyi@emory.edu
Rasmussen
Andrew W
AW
Gudlavalleti
Seshu K
SK
Stephens
David S
DS
Stojiljkovic
Igor
I
D016667:Bacterial Capsules / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D002353:Carrier State / Q000382:microbiology; D005840:Gentian Violet; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000382:microbiology; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000378:metabolism
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D011137:Polystyrenes; D005840:Gentian Violet