Association between toxin-antitoxin systems and biofilm formation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are found on the chromosomes and plasmids of many Bacteria such as Escherichia coli. The roles of TA systems in bacteria are enigmatic. Multiple biological functions of TA systems are proposed including growth modulation, persistence, and biofilm formation. Biofilms of E. coli are cause of urinary tract infections, as well as bacteraemia.

Objectives

The current study aimed to find the association between biofilm formation and toxin-antitoxin systems in clinical isolates of E. coli.

Materials and methods

A total of 150 E. coli isolates were evaluated for biofilm formation by Congo red agar medium (CRA) and microtiter plate assay and the presence of different TA systems including MazEF, RelBE, hipBA, ccdAB and MqsRA.

Results

SUBMITTER: Karimi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4350053 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature