title: Autofluorescence as a tool for structural analysis of biofilms formed by nonpigmented rapidly growing mycobacteria.
abstract: The structure of biofilms formed by seven nonpigmented rapidly growing mycobacteria, including saprophytes and opportunistic species, was analyzed. Analysis included amount of covered surface, thickness, cell viability, and presence of intrinsic autofluorescence at different times using confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis. Autofluorescence was detected inside and outside cells of all mycobacteria.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz.
authors.forename: María-Carmen
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Muñoz-Egea
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: García-Pedrazuela
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mahillo
authors.forename: María Jesús
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Esteban
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D050296:Microbial Viability; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D061848:Optical Imaging / Q000379:methods*