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Molecular identification and biofilm-forming ability of Elizabethkingia species.

Authors :
Puah SM
Fong SP
Kee BP
Puthucheary SD
Chua KH
Source :
Microbial pathogenesis [Microb Pathog] 2022 Jan; Vol. 162, pp. 105345. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Dec 09.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Recently, Elizabethkingia species have gained attention as a cause of life-threatening infections. The identification via phenotypic methods of three important species- Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, E. anophelis and E. miricola is difficult. Our objectives were to re-assess 30 archived Flavobacterium meningosepticum isolates using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, ERIC-PCR, and biofilm formation assay. Twenty-four isolates were re-identified as E. anophelis and 6 as E. miricola. All of them had the ability to form biofilm as shown in microtiter plate assay based on crystal violet staining. Overall, E. anophelis had a higher specific biofilm formation index compared to E. miricola. A total of 42% (10 out of 24) of E. anophelis were classified as strong, 29% (7 out of 24) as moderate and 29% (7 out of 24) as weak biofilm producers. E. miricola, 17% (1 out of 6) isolates were strong biofilm producers, 50% (3 out of 6) moderate and 33% (2 out of 6) were weak producers. E. anophelis from tracheal secretions were significantly associated with (p = 0.0361) strong biofilm formation. In summary, this study showed that the isolates originally identified as F. meningosepticum were re-classified using the 16S rRNA gene as one of two Elizabethkingia species. The ability of E. anophelis to form strong biofilm in endotracheal tubes indicates their probable role in the pathogenesis of Elizabethkingia infections.<br /> (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1096-1208
Volume :
162
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Microbial pathogenesis
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34896547
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105345