title: Biofilm-Associated Gene Expression in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on a Variety of Implant Materials.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the expression of biofilm-associated genes in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on multiple clinically relevant surfaces.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro experimental study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two strains of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius isolated from clinical infections representing the most common international isolates.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for expression of genes related to biofilm initial adhesion, formation/maturation, antimicrobial resistance, and intracellular communication was developed and validated. S. pseudintermedius biofilms were grown on 8 clinically relevant surfaces (polymethylmethacrylate, stainless steel, titanium, latex, silicone, polydioxanone, polystyrene, and glass) and samples of logarithmic and stationary growth phases were collected. Gene expression in samples was measured by qPCR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences in gene expression were identified between surfaces and between bacterial strains for most gene/strain/surface combinations studied. Expression of genes responsible for production of extracellular matrix were increased in biofilms. Expression of genes responsible for initial adhesion and intracellular communication was markedly variable. Antimicrobial resistance gene expression was increased on multiple surfaces, including stainless steel and titanium.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A method for evaluation of expression of multiple biofilm-associated genes in S. pseudintermedius was successfully developed and applied to the study of biofilms on multiple surfaces. Variations in expression of these genes have a bearing on understanding the development and treatment of implant-associated biofilm infections and will inform future clinical research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies.
authors.forename: Evan C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies.
authors.forename: Ameet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies.
authors.forename: Thomas W G
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.affiliation: Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Department of Pathology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott Weese
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018441:Biofilms; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000382:microbiology*; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D057789:Staphylococcus intermedius / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D013193:Stainless Steel; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate