Biofilm actively prevents macrophage phagocytosis by suppressing proinflammatory activity through the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Given the appropriate host and organism conditions, increased utilization of one-stage exchange arthroplasty in the surgical treatment of these low virulent infections may be on the rise. Biomarkers and molecular techniques offer encouraging results to diagnose low virulent organisms and future research focused on the disruption of biofilm may ultimately give rise to improved treatment strategies.

Aims:  To assess the antibiotic biosynthetic potential of Amycolatopsis sp. strain UM16 and eight other Amycolatopsis species. Methods and Results:  Amycolatopsis genomic DNA was screened by PCR for the glycopeptide, Type‐II (aromatic) polyketide and ansamycin biosynthetic gene clusters. Amycolatopsis sp. strain UM16, which exhibits weak antitubercular activity, was shown to have the glycopeptide oxyB gene and the Type‐II (aromatic) polyketide‐synthase KSα‐KSβ tandem gene pair, but not the AHBA synthase gene. The ristocetin (glycopeptide) producer, Amycolatopsis lurida NRRL 2430T, was shown to have the oxyB gene and the Type‐II polyketide‐synthase KSα‐KSβ tandem gene pair. Amycolatopsis alba NRRL 18532T was shown to have the glycopeptide oxyB gene and the AHBA synthase gene. Phylogenetic analyses using Amycolatopsis oxyB and KSα‐KSβ gene sequences were conducted. Conclusions:  Amycolatopsis sp. strain UM16 appears to have the biosynthetic potential to produce glycopeptide and Type‐II polyketide antibiotics, but not ansamycins. The potential to synthesize aromatic polyketides may be more widely distributed in Amycolatopsis than is currently recognized. Significance and Impact of the Study:  PCR screening is a very useful tool for rapidly identifying the biosynthetic potential of an antibiotic‐producing actinomycete isolate. Advanced knowledge of the type of antibiotic(s) produced will allow appropriate methods to be selected for antibiotic purification.