Biofilm-forming associated genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from animals and air

Biological monitoring is performed to detect and analyze microorganisms that have continuously made an effort to survive in the environment. Of such microorganisms, Staphylococcus spp. is considered a common cause of nosocomial and environmental infections., Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecules (MSCRAMMs) are required for the adhesion and biofilm formation of Staphylococci. Thirty-six and thirty-five Staphylococci isolated from animals and air, respectively, were analyzed. Biofilm formation and ten MSCRAMM genes were investigated using Congo red agar, tissue Culture plate methods, and PCR. Airborne isolates were shown to have higher adherence and stronger biofilm formation than those from animals. The prevalence of MSCRAMM genes from air isolates was also higher than those from animals. Of the genes, eno was mainly associated with biofilm formation in both animals and airborne isolates (P < 0.05). Moreover, the rate of airborne isolates harboring the eno gene was higher than in animal isolates. These results indicated that analysis of MSCRAMM genes with a phenotypic assay might be a helpful bacterial control system for the environment. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.