Enhancing effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of vancomycin on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus

DOTTO CM; ALVAREZ LP; BARBAGELATA MS; SORDELLI DO; BUZZOLA FR

Recent Research Developments in Infection and Immunity

Transworld Research Network

Año: 2013; p. 1 - 18

Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent of a broad spectrum of infections due to its ability to attach to damaged epithelia and inanimate surfaces, and to adopt a biofilm lifestyle. Biofilm is an essential virulence factor and it is involved in the development of device-related infections and chronic infections of diverse tissues. Low concentrations of certain antibiotics can affect the expression of bacterial virulence factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of vancomycin (subVAN) on biofilm formation by S. aureus strain Newman. The exposure of S. aureus to subVAN increased biofilm formation by the Newman strain and also by the S. aureus ica isogenic mutant; in the latter case, the biofilm was mainly composed by proteins. In addition, the subVAN exposure did not affect the biofilm formation by the isogenic saeRS mutant