Biofilm: Detection Methods and Correlation with Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus

Introduction: Staphylococcus is known for its ability to produce biofilm which is considered to be an important virulence factor as well as one of the mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance. Identification of biofilm production and its relation with antimicrobial resistance might help to elucidate the impact of staphylococci in diagnosis of various infections. Material and Methods: In this study, production of biofilm in 96 Staphylococcus aureus (Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus) isolated from various clinical specimens was investigated with Congo Red Agar (CRA) and Micro titer plate (MTP) methods and the results were compared to each other. Results: The rate of biofilm production in all Staphylococcus, investigated with CRA and MTP were 72.9%, and 47.9%, respectively. The existence of Staphylococcus spp. resistance against various antibiotics was also determined by the agar disk diffusion method. The percentage of resistance against Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, methicillin (MRSA), and Co-trimoxazole in biofilm producing Staphylococcus was 49.0%, 24.5%, 23.6%, and 13.6%, respectively, whereas for non-biofilm producing strains it was 42.9%, 15.7%, 14.2%, and 12.9%, respectively. The comparison of biofilm producer strains with non-biofilm producer strains revealed that biofilm producer strains had more resistance to those antibiotics. Conclusion: In conclusion, the MTP test could be used for the detection of slime production in Staphylococcus spp. because it is reliable and practical.