Lack of in vitro biofilm formation does not attenuate the virulence of Streptococcus gordonii in experimental endocarditis.
The ability to induce experimental endocarditis of biofilm-deficient mutants of Streptococcus gordonii was studied in an isogenic background. Strains were inactivated in either comD, fruK or pbp2b genes, which are involved in biofilm formation. These strains were clearly impaired (>75% reduction) in biofilm production in vitro. However, this did not result in a decreased severity of infection in vivo.
Bizzini
Alain
A
Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. alain.bizzini@unil.ch
Beggah-Möller
Siham
S
Moreillon
Philippe
P
Entenza
José M
JM
D000818:Animals; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D051381:Rats; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014774:Virulence / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*