Detection of a microbial biofilm in intraamniotic infection

Abstract

Objective-Microbial biofilms are communities of sessile microorganisms formed by cells that are attached irreversibly to a substratum or interface or to each other and embedded in a hydrated matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Microbial biofilms have been implicated in >80% of human infections such as periodontitis, urethritis, endocarditis, and device-associated infections. Thus far, intra-amniotic infection has been attributed to planktonic (free-floating) bacteria. A case is presented in which "amniotic fluid sludge" was found to contain microbial biofilms. This represents the first report of a microbial biofilm in the amniotic cavity.Study Design-"Amniotic fluid sludge" was detected by transvaginal sonography, and retrieved by transvaginal amniotomy. Bacteria were identified using scanning electron microscope and fluorescence in situ hybridization for conserved regions of the microbial genome; and the exopolymeric matrix was identified by histochemistry using the wheat germ agglutinin lectin method. The structure of the biofilm was imaged with confocal laser scanning microscopy.Results-"Amniotic fluid sludge" was imaged with scanning electron microscopy, which allowed identification of bacteria embedded in an amorphous material and inflammatory cells. Bacteria were demonstrated using fluorescent in situ hybredization using a eubacteria probe. Extracellular matrix was identified with the wheat germ agglutinin lectin stain. Confocal microscopy allowed threedimensional visualization of the microbial biofilm.Conclusion-Microbial biofilms have been identified in a case of intra-amniotic infection with "amniotic fluid sludge."

AI-2 analogs and antibiotics: a synergistic approach to reduce bacterial biofilms

“…These and other attributes such as metabolic cooperativity have led to the comparison of biofilms with tissues of higher organisms (Costerton et al 1995). Biofilms are of high clinical relevance, as they exist in~80 % of human infections (Romero et al 2008). Pathogens in biofilms can exhibit antibiotic tolerancẽ 1,000 times higher than their planktonic counterparts (Olson et al 2002).…”

Microbial biofilms on the surface of intravaginal rings worn in non-human primates

“…Sample preparation was carried out as described by Macalady et al (2006), except that the paraformaldehyde fixing step was omitted. We have found this approach to afford strong, selective FISH signals with minimal biofilm disruption (Romero et al, 2008). The oligonucleotide probe EUB338 was used to target most bacterial groups and was synthesized and labelled at the 59 end with the fluorescent dye Cy5 (Integrated DNA Technologies).…”

Training the Biofilm Generation—a Tribute to J. W. Costerton

“…At USC, Bill interacted with a number of graduate students and dental residents, including Amita Gorur and Christoph Schaudinn. They worked on biofilms associated with periodontal disease (52) and also collaborated with Roberto Romero at NIH to describe a biofilm infection associated with increased risks of premature birth in a developing fetus (50). Following a third "retirement" in 2008, Bill moved to the Allegheny-Singer Research Institute (ASRI) in Pittsburgh as director of biofilm research, a position he held until his death on May 12, 2012 (31).…”

“…4). The science was superb, and the subjects ranged from the biofilms associated with premature birth (50) to biofilm drug resistance due to perception of starvation (44), new developments in biofilm inhibition through quorum signal control (57), the role of bacterial sex (conjugation) in promoting E. coli biofilms (22), and biofilm involvement in a number of infectious processes, including pulmonary infections associated with cystic fibrosis (29 …”