A requirement for flow to enable the development of Ureaplasma parvum biofilms in vitro

Abstract

Aims: To use a flow-based method to establish, quantify and visualize biofilms of Ureaplasma parvum. Methods and Results: Absorbance readings of a U. parvum HPA5 culture were taken at 550 nm every 3 h for 30 h in order to establish a growth curve, with viability determined by the number of colour changing units (CCUs). Biofilms were established using the DTU flow-cell with a flow rate of 0Á01 ml min À1 and compared to the static control. Titres of bacteria were determined by CCU and biofilm biomass was quantified by Syto9 staining and COMSTAT analysis. High-resolution images were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Flow resulted in significantly more biofilm and higher cell titre (0Á599 µm 3 /µm 2 AE 0Á152 and 4 9 10 8 CCU per ml, respectively) compared with static conditions (0Á008 µm 3 /µm 2 AE 0Á010 and no recoverable cells, respectively). SEM revealed pleomorphic cells, with signs of budding and possible membrane vesicle formation. Conclusions: Flow is an essential requirement for the establishment of U. parvum biofilms. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first quantification of biofilm biomass formed by U. parvum. It is now possible to establish viable biofilms of U. parvum which will allow for future testing of antimicrobial agents and understanding of virulence-associated with adhesion.

Study and analysis of the structural-biochemical characteristics in Mollicutes biofilms formation

“…The flow method was analyzed to evaluate the biofilm growth in Ureaplasma parvum, favoring the removal of toxic metabolites mediated by cell death. This is the first report on the quantification of the biofilm formed by Ureaplasma parvum, making it possible to establish a viable biofilm that will allow the evaluation of antimicrobial agents and a better understanding of the virulence associated with adhesion [11].…”

Pathogenic avian mycoplasmas show phenotypic differences in their biofilm forming ability compared to non-pathogenic species in vitro

“…The architecture of the biofilm produced by other mycoplasmas has already been studied; M. pneumoniae is able to form volcano-like structures [ 28 ], while M. pulmonis creates tower structures in vitro [ 29 ]. Images taken with a scanning electron microscope of the biofilm produced by Mg during another study [ 15 ] showed the presence of lichen-like structures, which are very similar to those created by M. fermentans [ 30 ] and Ureaplasma parvum [ 31 ]. In another study on Ms [ 16 ], both mushroom-like and tower-like structures were observed in the biofilm, even though the authors investigated the biofilm produced as soon as the culture broth was acidified.…”

First-Void Urine Microbiome in Women with Chlamydia trachomatis Infection

“…Ureaplasma parvum is a member of the class of Mollicutes, frequently found in the urogenital ecosystem of asymptomatic “healthy” women as a commensal colonizer [ 24 ]. Mycoplasmas adhere to epithelial cells by means of individual surface-associated adhesins, such as multiple-banded antigens, and possesses the ability to form a biofilm [ 25 , 26 ]. Thus, we can speculate that a higher abundance of U. parvum in the urogenital tract could be a “protective factor”, preventing the subsequent adhesion and colonization of exogenous pathogens, including chlamydia.…”