Increased mutability of Staphylococci in biofilms as a consequence of oxidative stress.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate the development of mutational resistance to antibiotics in staphylococcal biofilms.

Methods

Mutation frequencies to resistance against mupirocin and rifampicin were determined for planktonic cultures and for biofilms generated using either a novel static biofilm model or by continuous flow. DNA microarray analysis was performed to detect differences in transcriptional profiles between planktonic and biofilm cultures.

Results

The mutability of biofilm cultures increased up to 60-fold and 4-fold for S. aureus and S. epidermidis, respectively, compared with planktonic cultures. Incorporation of antioxidants into S. aureus biofilms reduced mutation frequencies, indicating that increased oxidative stress underlies the heightened mutability. Transc

SUBMITTER: Ryder VJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3480535 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature