Detection of exopolysaccharide production and biofilm-related genes in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from a poultry processing plant

Abstract

Staphylococcus spp. can survive in biofilms for long periods of time, and they can be transferred from one point to another and cause environmental contamination in food processing. The aim of this study was to detect Staphylococcus strains isolated from a poultry processing plant by the presence of adhesion genes and the phenotypic production of exopolysaccharide. In the present study, the production of exopolysaccharide and the presence of adhesion genes in 65 strains of Staphylococcus spp. were evaluated. All strains of Staphylococcus spp. produced exopolysaccharide, as confirmed by formation of black and opaque colonies in Congo Red Agar. The variation of sucrose content was critical for the production of exopolysaccharide in Congo Red Agar since at low sucrose concentrations all strains presented a characteristic result, i.e., there was no exopolysaccharide production. The atl gene was found in all strains, and the icaA and icaD genes were found in 97% of them. The data obtained suggest that Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the poultry processing plant evaluated has a potential for biofilm formation. An efficient control of this microorganism in food processing environment is necessary as they may represent a potential risk to consumers.

Evaluation antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the antimicrobial peptide P34 against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis

“…isolates have a significant incidence of biofilm formation in the food industry (Ferreira et al 2014, Pinto et al 2015.…”

“…Several mechanisms are involved in the process to establish the biofilm on the surface, like the presence of genes involved in the adhesion process and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production (Ferreira et al 2014). Moreover, the ability of S. aureus isolated from industrial surfaces to form biofilm depends on the environmental conditions.…”

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of clinically relevant bacteria isolated from dental waste and waste workers’ hands, mucosas and coats

“…The Congo Red Agar (CRA) method was used to evaluate EPS production based on Ferreira et al . (). The string test was used to assess hypervirulence according to the protocol of Shon et al .…”

“…Strains from the same species found in the infectious waste were also assessed to compare adherence among them. The Congo Red Agar (CRA) method was used to evaluate EPS production based on Ferreira et al (2014). The string test was used to assess hypervirulence according to the protocol of Shon et al (2013).…”

Identificação fenotípica e genotípica de cepas de estafilococos oriundas de uma unidade de abate de aves

“…A extração do DNA genômico dos isolados de Staphylococcus spp. foi realizada a partir de um mililitro da cultura bacteriana de acordo com o protocolo descrito por Ferreira et al (2014). Posteriormente, as amostras de DNA obtidas foram quantificadas em espectrofotômetro a 260 nm (NanoDrop®).…”