Comparison of the ability to form biofilm of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from bovines and humans

Abstract

Biofilms are defined as complex communities of microorganisms that grow embedded in an organic polymer matrix produced bythemselves and adhered to an organic or inorganic surface. They are a way of survival and persistence in the environment offeringadvantages of adaptation and protection against adverse conditions. Biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria in environments such as thedomestic, hospital or food industry, are a permanent source of contamination and disease transmission. Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli(VTEC) are a causal agent of gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea, haemorrhagic colitis (CH) and haemolytic uraemic syndrome(HUS) worldwide. Cattle from different production systems have been identified as the main reservoir of VTEC and serotype O157:H7 isthe prevalent serotype associated with large outbreaks and sporadic cases of CH and HUS.