Biofilm formation and fibrinogen and fibronectin binding activities by Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum invasive strains

Abstract

Biofilm-related infections are considered a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospital environments. Biofilms allow microorganisms to exchange genetic material and to become persistent colonizers and/or multiresistant to antibiotics. Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum (CPS), a commensal bacterium that colonizes skin and mucosal sites has become progressively multiresistant and responsible for severe nosocomial infections. However, virulence factors of this emergent pathogen remain unclear. Herein, we report the adhesive properties and biofilm formation on hydrophilic (glass) and hydrophobic (plastic) abiotic surfaces by CPS strains isolated from patients with localized (ATCC10700/Pharyngitis) and systemic (HHC1507/Bacteremia) infections. Adherence to polystyrene attributed to hydrophobic interactions between bacterial cells and this negatively charged surface indicated the involvement of cell surface hydrophobicity in the initial stage of biofilm formation. Attached microorganisms multiplied and formed microcolonies that accumulated as multilayered cell clusters, a step that involved intercellular adhesion and synthesis of extracellular matrix molecules. Further growth led to the formation of dense bacterial aggregates embedded in the exopolymeric matrix surrounded by voids, typical of mature biofilms. Data also showed CPS recognizing human fibrinogen (Fbg) and fibronectin (Fn) and involvement of these sera components in formation of "conditioning films". These findings suggested that biofilm formation may be associated with the expression of different adhesins. CPS may form biofilms in vivo possibly by an adherent biofilm mode of growth in vitro currently demonstrated on hydrophilic and hydrophobic abiotic surfaces. The affinity to Fbg and Fn and the biofilm-forming ability may contribute to the establishment and dissemination of infection caused by CPS.

The Microbiome of the Prostate Tumor Microenvironment

“…Enterobacteriaceae have already been shown to be more abundant in other inflammatory and neoplastic conditions [27,28], which is in line with a progressively increased inflammatory environment surrounding cancer cells. Interestingly, the higher abundance of Corynebacteriaceae, basically represented only by Corynebacterium spp., in the prostate lesions is consistent with the reported great capacity of these species to form biofilm and adhere to extracellular matrix components such as fibronectin, often with tissue-invasive potential [29]. Moreover, Corynebacteriaceae have also been previously identified as potential causal agents of urinary tract infections or urethritis [30].…”

Characteristics of Multidrug-Resistant <i>Corynebacterium</i> spp. Isolated from Blood Cultures of Hospitalized Patients in Japan

“…Biofilm-related infections are considered a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals (36). Corynebacterium is known as a biofilm producing pathogen and is responsible for reduced susceptibility to antibiotics (37,38). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of variable biofilm formation by different C. striatum strains isolated from blood specimens.…”

N‐acetylcysteine eradicates Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in bone cement

“…After these steps, detachment of cells acts as a foci for the spread of infection to other body parts (Abd et al ., ). Preventative approaches to these infections include blocking tissue destruction, resisting of bacteria, and developing chemicals that might block initial adherence (Khardori and Yassien, ; Souza et al ., ). Several antimicrobial or non‐antimicrobial agents such as N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) have been investigated to prevent the formation of biofilms and to eradicate biofilms associated bacteria such as P. aeruginosa (Kannan et al ., ; Flach et al ., ; Ulusoy et al ., ; Rasmussen et al ., ).…”

“…However, even this method can be unsuccessful if the agent is unknown or if a suitable antibiotic treatment is not given. In order to be able to find out the active bacteria in PJI, as well as classical microbiologic culture studies, PCR and histopathological and electron microscopy examinations are performed (Agwan et al ., ; Souza et al ., ; Kim and Lee, ).…”