title: Detection of viable but non-culturable staphylococci in biofilms from central venous catheters negative on standard microbiological assays.
abstract: Viable bacteria were sought in 44 Maki-negative biofilms from central venous catheters (CVCs) using epifluorescence microscopy after live/dead staining. Thirty (77%) samples contained viable but non-culturable (VBNC) cells; the majority were positive on real-time PCR specific for Staphylococcus epidermidis (one also for Staphylococcus aureus). Viable cells were significantly (p<0.01) associated with CVCs from febrile patients, three of whom showed S. epidermidis-positive blood cultures, suggesting that CVC-associated biofilms can be reservoirs for staphylococci in the VBNC state. The possible role of VBNC staphylococci in persistent infections related to medical devices requires further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zandri
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pasquaroli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vignaroli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Talevi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Manso
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Donelli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Biavasco
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D018441:Biofilms; D057785:Catheters / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D050296:Microbial Viability; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology