The inanimate environment immediately surrounding the patient in healthcare facilities is a reservoir of microorganisms embedded in dry‐surface biofilms (DSB). These biofilms, first highlighted in 2012, are increasingly studied, but currently available in‐vitro models only allow for the growth of semi‐hydrated biofilms. We developed a new in‐vitro method under actual dehydration conditions based on the hypothesis that surface contamination is mainly due to splashes of respiratory secretions. The main objective of this study was to show that the operating conditions we have defined allowed the growth of DSB with a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain. The second objective was to show that extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae, that is, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae were also able to grow such biofilms under these conditions. Monobacterial suspensions in sterile artificial saliva (SAS) were sprayed onto polyethylene surfaces. Nutrients and hydration were provided daily by spraying SAS enriched with 20% of Brain Heart Infusion broth. The primary outcome was mean surface coverage measured by image analysis after crystal violet staining. The method applied to S. aureus for 12 days resulted in reproducible and repeatable DSB consisting of isolated and confluent microcolonies embedded in extracellular polymeric substances as shown in scanning electron microscopy images. Similar DSB were obtained with both Enterobacteriaceae applying the same method. No interspecies variation was shown between the three strains in terms of surface coverage. These first trials are the starting point for a 3‐year study currently in process.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.