High density waves of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in propagating swarms result in efficient colonization of surfaces.

ABSTRACT: This work describes a new, to our knowledge, strategy of efficient colonization and community development where bacteria substantially alter their physical environment. Many bacteria move in groups, in a mode described as swarming, to colonize surfaces and form biofilms to survive external stresses, including exposure to antibiotics. One such bacterium is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for both acute and persistent infections in susceptible individuals, as exampled by those for burn victims and people with cystic fibrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa often, but not always, forms branched tendril patterns during swarming; this phenomena occurs only when bacteria produce rhamnolipid, which is regulated by population-dependent signaling called quorum sensing

SUBMITTER: Du H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3414888 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature