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Assessment of biofilm‐forming ability of coagulase‐negative staphylococci isolated from contaminated platelet preparations in Canada
Author(s) -
Greco Carey,
Mastronardi Cherie,
Pagotto Franco,
Mack Dietrich,
RamirezArcos Sandra
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2007.01631.x-i2
Subject(s) - biofilm , microbiology and biotechnology , staphylococcus epidermidis , virulence , coagulase , biology , bacterial adhesin , polymerase chain reaction , icad , agar , staphylococcus , bacteria , gene , staphylococcus aureus , biochemistry , genetics
BACKGROUND: Coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the most prevalent bacterial contaminants of platelet (PLT) preparations and have been implicated in adverse transfusion reactions worldwide. The most frequently identified contaminant is Staphylococcus epidermidis , which is noted for its ability to maintain chronic hospital‐acquired infections by forming biofilms as a chief virulence mechanism. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Strains of S. epidermidis isolated from contaminated PLT preparations in Canada were distinguished via gene‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with divIVA as a marker. Biofilm‐forming ability was assessed by the presence of the gene icaD , slime production on Congo red agar, and biofilm formation on polystyrene surfaces. Production of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) was resolved by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Eight of the 13 (62%) CoNS isolates under study were identified as S. epidermidis . Of these, four strains (50%) were classified as strong biofilm producers. Three of the four biofilm‐positive strains (75%) produced slime, harbored the icaD gene, and had positive expression of PIA. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the presumable commensal origin of the CoNS isolates, a large proportion of S. epidermidis strains demonstrated a potential for enhanced virulence. Identification of contaminant staphylococci as biofilm producers is thus relevant and informative with regard to treatment approach in the circumstance of inadvertent infection of a PLT recipient.