Nanoscale surface modification favors benign biofilm formation and impedes adherence by pathogens

Abstract

We have found in vitro that a biofilm of benign Escherichia coli 83972 interferes with urinary catheter colonization by pathogens, and in human studies E. coli 83972-coated urinary catheters are associated with lower rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. We hypothesized that modifying surfaces to present mannose ligands for the type 1 fimbriae of E. coli would promote formation of dense E. coli 83972 biofilms, thereby interfering with surface colonizaion by Enterococcus faecalis, a common uropathogen. We covalently immobilized mannose on silicon substrates by attaching amino-terminated mannose derivative to carboxylic acid-terminated monolayers via amidation. Fluorescence microscopy showed that E. coli 83972 adherence to mannose-modified surfaces increased 4.4-fold compared to unmodified silicon surfaces. Pre-exposing mannose-modified surfaces to E. coli 83972 established a protective biofilm that reduced E. faecalis adherence by 83-fold. Mannose-fimbrial interactions were essential for the improved E. coli 83927 adherence and interference effects.

The effects of surface properties on Escherichia coli adhesion are modulated by shear stress

“…These devices are often colonized by single bacterial species like Escherichia coli [5]. E. coli is responsible for 80% of the urinary tract infections and it was observed that even after antibiotic therapy it can persist and re-emerge in the bladder and in associated urinary tract biomedical devices (eg urinary catheters) [3,6,7]. E. coli has also been found in breast implants, being responsible for 1.5% of associated infections, and contact lenses [3,8].…”

Bacterial flagella explore microscale hummocks and hollows to increase adhesion

“…microbial adhesion | structured surfaces | bacterial appendages | surface texture | surface wetting T he attachment of bacteria to solid surfaces is the first step in the formation of biofilms-communities of sessile microbes surrounded by a polymeric matrix (1,2). A growing appreciation of the ubiquity and importance of biofilms in medicine and industry has led to a proliferation of antiadhesion strategies that include chemical, biological, and physical approaches (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12). Attempts to block biofilm formation must also take into account the rapid evolution of bacteria and their ability to resist many chemical assaults (13)(14)(15)(16)(17).…”

Antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli. Clinical, epidemiological and molecular characteristics in the Australian region

“…Two Spanish studies have suggested a low prevalence of the clone amongst poultry and pig farms in that nation. [208,209] Mora found that the clone comprised 1.5% of E. coli strains recovered from Spanish poultry between 2007 and 2009. Surprisingly, in this study, the prevalence amongst E. coli recovered from retail chicken meat was considerably higher, comprising 7% of strains.…”

“…[209] The high similarity of an isolate from raw chicken and two human infections in the same geographical region in Canada was suggestive of transmission from foodstuff to humans. [190] Although these links are tantalising, there remains to be found a solid molecular epidemiologic connection between human infection and prior consumption of food containing ST131 E. coli.…”

“…[174,179] Investigations have only found sporadic isolates of ST131 amongst commercial animals and food-sources, although studies are limited. [190,209] The potential spread of ST131 after introduction from international travellers has only been demonstrated indirectly. Pitout found the highest proportion of ST131 clones amongst travellers with ESBL-producing infections in those returning from the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East.…”