Biofilm-producing ability of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Brazilian dairy farms

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the in silico biofilm production ability of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from milking parlor environments on dairy farms from São Paulo, Brazil. The Staph. aureus isolates were obtained from 849 samples collected on dairy farms, as follows: milk from individual cows with subclinical mastitis or history of the disease (n=220); milk from bulk tank (n=120); surfaces of milking machines and utensils (n=389); and milk handlers (n=120). Thirty-one Staph. aureus isolates were obtained and categorized as pulsotypes by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and submitted to assays for biofilm formation on polystyrene, stainless steel, rubber, and silicone surfaces. Fourteen (45.2%) pulsotypes were considered producers of biofilm on the polystyrene microplate assay, whereas 13 (41.9%) and 12 (38.7%) pulsotypes were biofilm producers on stainless steel and rubber, respectively. None of the pulsotypes evaluated produced biofilms on silicone. Approximately 45% of Staph. aureus pulsotypes isolated from different sources on dairy farms showed the ability to produce biofilms in at least one assay, indicating possible persistence of this pathogen in the milking environment. The potential involvement of Staph. aureus in subclinical mastitis cases and its occurrence in milk for human consumption emphasize the need to improve hygiene practices to prevent biofilm formation on the farms studied.

Effect of oleuropein and peracetic acid on suspended cells and mono-species biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

“…S. aureus had a higher capacity to form biofilms on polystyrene surfaces than stainless steel, suggesting that hydrophobicity is an important factor in the formation of such biofilms [20]. However, Lee et al [21] did not observe any variation in the biofilm formation ability of S. aureus on surfaces of polystyrene or stainless steel, which is in agreement with data reported in this study. Biofilms are constituted by sessile cells, single or multispecies adhered to a substrate, in which the microorganisms exhibit distinct phenotypes, metabolism, physiology and gene transcription [3].…”

Biofilm-producing ability and efficiency of sanitizing agents against Prototheca zopfii isolates from bovine subclinical mastitis

“…This is because microalgae produce biofilms in a similar manner to bacteria; initially, they agglomerate and then produce the extracellular matrix. Therefore, assessment of biofilm production by algae may be similar to that used for other bacterial agents (Stepanović et al, 2003;Nagai et al, 2013;Lee et al, 2014).…”

“…The use of stainless steel coupons was described by Lee et al (2014) to evaluate biofilm production of Staphylococcus aureus from mastitis cases and in milking environments. Considering that stainless steel is a widely used material, it simulates the biofilm production that can occur in milking and dairy environments with deficient sanitizing equipment and utensils.…”

Microbial species of safety concern in milk from informal processors in Harare, Zimbabwe

“…Several studies have reported the presence of both gram positive and gram negative pathogens in the dairy industry (Amagliani et al, 2012;De Vliegher et al, 2012;Gurol et al, 2012;Lee et al, 2012Lee et al, , 2014Ranieri et al, 2012;Barancelli et al, 2013). Control activities should therefore be instituted to prevent microbial contamination and growth in production areas thereby reducing pathogens (Luning et al, 2008;Jacxsens et al, 2010;Milios et al, 2012).…”