# Biofilm Formation byStaphylococcus aureus Isolated from Food Contact Surfaces in the Dairy Industry of Jalisco, Mexico

Authors: María-Guadalupe Avila-Novoa; Maricarmen Iñíguez-Moreno; Oscar-Alberto Solís-Velázquez; Jean-Pierre González-Gómez; Pedro-Javier Guerrero-Medina; Melesio Gutiérrez-Lomelí
Journal: Journal of Food Quality
 (2018)

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## Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is an important food-borne pathogen able to form biofilms. This pathogen is responsible for outbreaks of food-borne illnesses associated with the consumption of milk and dairy products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biofilm-forming ability of S. aureus isolates, recovered from food contact surfaces in the dairy industry of Jalisco, Mexico. A total of 84 S. aureus strains were evaluated. The isolates were characterized phenotypically by culture on Congo red agar plates. The ability of the strains to form biofilms was investigated in 96-well flat-bottomed microtiter polystyrene plates. Stainless-steel coupons were used as an experimental surface. Biofilm formation was observed, using epifluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Detection of the icaADBC genes in S. aureus was performed by the PCR technique. A total of 52.3% (44/84) of the S. aureus strains contained the icaADBC gene that synthesizes polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA) molecules. On Congo red agar, 75% (63/84) of the S. aureus isolates were biofilm producers, 16.6% (14/84) were non-biofilm formers, and 8.3% (7/84) showed a noncharacteristic phenotype. The biofilm production of the S. aureus strains SA-4E, SA-9, SA-13, and SA-19 on stainless-steel coupons was investigated at 25°C for 8 days, and the detected cell population density was approximately 7.15–7.82 log CFU cm−2. In addition to the ability of biofilm production, it is important to highlight that these strains are potential enterotoxin producers as se genes have been previously detected in their genomes. A part of the ability of biofilm production and the determination of the presence of virulence determinants in the genome of S. aureus can contribute to the pathogenicity of strains. Therefore, vigilant food safety practices need to be implemented in the dairy industries regarding FCS to prevent food-borne infections and intoxications due to S. aureus contamination.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

In the food industry, biofilms increase bacterial resistance to environmental stresses including cleaning, disinfection, and inhibition, enabling these microorganisms to persist on surfaces and processing equipment, compared to planktonic cells [1–3]. Formation of biofilms can occur on all types of surfaces of technological systems in the dairy industry. The detection of biofilms in the food industry can be related to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the industrial settings.Staphylococcus aureus is a food-borne pathogen that can cause staphylococcal food poisoning. In the USA, staphylococcal food poisoning is estimated to account for 241,188 illnesses, 1,064 hospitalizations, and six deaths, annually [4]. S. aureus can adhere to and develop biofilms on food contact surfaces, thereby affecting the quality and safety of food products [5, 6]. The extracellular matrix of S. aureus biofilms is usually composed of exopolysaccharide (PIA/PNAG), but the proteinaceous and extracellular DNA matrix can also be present in staphylococcal biofilms [7]. Depending on the environment in which the biofilm was developed, the biofilm matrix can also contain blood components or noncellular materials such as mineral crystals, corrosion particles, and clay or silt particles [8]. PIA is linked to the irreversible attachment phase [9]. The formation of biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus is not only mediated by the PIA-dependent biofilm formation, but it can exist in PIA-independent biofilm. In the PIA-independent biofilm, despite the importance of the ica gene locus in biofilm development, biofilms can occur in an ica-independent fashion where biofilm-associated protein (Bap) and Bap-related proteins of S. aureus can confer biofilm development independently or PIA production through cell-to-cell aggregation and are characterized by their high molecular weight, presence of the bacterial surface, role as a virulence factor, and occasional containment in mobile elements [10, 11].The main adhesion genes ofS. aureus that are involved in cellular aggregation and bacterial accumulation within the biofilm are bap, bbp, clfA, clfB, cna, ebpS, fib, fnbA, fnbB, eno, icaAD, icaBC, sasG, sasC, and pls [12].The aim of this study was to evaluate the biofilm-forming ability ofS. aureus isolates, recovered from food contact surfaces in the dairy industry of Jalisco, Mexico.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1.S. aureus Isolates

S. aureus (SA1–SA84) strains were isolated from food contact surfaces (FCS) of six dairy industries in the Mexican state of Jalisco [13]. The S. aureus strains were identified by the methods described in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (Gram staining, the coagulase and Voges–Proskauer tests, tests for catalase and thermostable nuclease, and glucose and mannitol utilization test), and finally, PCR was used for confirmation (PCR amplification of genes encoding for 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and thermonuclease (nuc)) [13]. The strains were cultivated in tryptic soy broth (TSB; Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems) for 24 h at 37°C. All strains were subcultured in TSB with 0.25% glucose (w/v) for 24 h at 37°C for the quantification of biofilm formation and in TSB with 0.5% glucose (w/v) for 8 d at 25°C for biofilm formation on stainless steel. The S. aureus strain ATCC 25923, a strong biofilm former, was used as a positive control.


### 2.2. Biofilm Formation Assays

#### 2.2.1. Phenotype Analysis of Biofilm Production

The isolates were characterized phenotypically by culture on Congo red agar (CRA) plates, as described by Arciola et al. [14]. Briefly, agar plates were prepared by adding 0.8 g Congo red (Sigma-Aldrich) and 36 g saccharose (Sigma-Aldrich) to 1 L blood agar (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems), followed by incubation at 37°C for 24 and 48 h. The macroscopic characteristics of the S. aureus isolates in the CRA were observed. Crusty black colonies, with a dry filamentous appearance, were recorded as biofilm producers, smooth pink colonies as nonproducers, and intermediate colony morphology (pink with dark centers resembling bull’s eyes), as potential biofilm producers [15].


#### 2.2.2. Quantification of Biofilm Formation

The ability of the strains to form biofilms was investigated in 96-well flat-bottomed microtiter polystyrene plates [16]. For each strain, three wells of the microtiter plate were filled with 200 μL bacterial suspension in TSB with 0.25% glucose (w/v) (TSB + 0.25% G). Then, the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Wells filled with the broth medium (TSB + 0.25% G) were used as negative controls, and S. aureus ATCC 25923 was used as the positive control. Next, the content of each well was aspirated and washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; 7 mM Na2HPO4, 3 mM NaH2PO4, and 130 mM NaCl, pH 7.4) to remove the planktonic bacteria. The attached bacteria were fixed with 95% ethanol for 5 min; then, the plates were emptied and left to dry. The plates were stained with 100 µL of 1% (w/v) crystal violet solution per well for 5 min. The excess stain was rinsed off with sterile distilled water, and the microtiter plates were air-dried. The optical density of each well was measured at 570 nm (OD570), using the Multiskan FC (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Madison, WI). Biofilm formation was interpreted as highly positive (OD570 ≥ 1), low-grade positive (0.1 ≤ OD570 < 1), or negative (OD570 < 0.1).


#### 2.2.3. Detection oficaADBC Genes

Genomic DNA was extracted, using the protocol described by Pu et al. [17]. Detection of the icaADBC genes in S. aureus was performed, as stated by Diemond-Hernández et al. [18]. The amplifications were performed using the Thermal Cycler (TechNet; Bibby Scientific Ltd., UK). The initial step (94°C for 5 min) was followed by 30 cycles with annealing at 60°C for 1 min (icaA), 59°C for 1 min (icaB), 42°C for 1 min (icaC), or 59°C for 1 min (icaD) and a final step at 72°C for 7 min (Table 1). After amplification, the products were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel (ultrapure agarose; Invitrogen), containing 0.5 µg/mL ethidium bromide (Sigma-Aldrich), and visualized by transillumination under ultraviolet light. S. aureus ATCC 25923 was used as the positive control.Table 1
Primers used for amplification of the adhesin genes ofStaphylococcus aureus [18].
Primers
Sequences (5′–3′)
Product sizes (base pairs)
icaA forward
GAC CTC GAA GTC AAT AGA GGT
814
icaA reverse
CCC AGT ATA ACG TTG GAT ACC
icaB forward
ATC GCT TAA AGC ACA CGA CGC
526
icaB reverse
TAT CGG CAT CTG GTG TGA CAG
icaC forward
ATA AAC TTG AAT TAG TGT ATT
989
icaC reverse
ATA TAT AAA ACT CTC TTA ACA
icaD forward
AGG CAA TAT CCA ACG GTA A
371
icaD reverse
GTC ACG ACC TTT CTT ATA TT


### 2.3. Conditions for Biofilm Formation

Stainless-steel (SS) coupons (AISI 316, 0.8 × 2.0 × 0.1 cm) were used as an experimental surface. The coupons were consecutively cleaned, according to the method described by Marques et al. [5]. For the biofilm formation, each SS coupon was individually introduced into glass test tubes (20 × 150 mm) containing 10 mL of TSB with 0.5% glucose (TSB + 0.5% G). The monospecies biofilms were inoculated with 100 μL of cultures incubated at 37°C/24 h (containing approximately 108 CFU/mL of the corresponding strains) (Table 2); after that, the biofilms were incubated at 25°C for 8 d. Afterwards, cell viability was determined by the standard plate count technique on standard agar (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems) with incubation at 37°C for 24 h. Biofilm formation was observed, using epifluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three replicates were performed for each strain. S. aureus ATCC 25923 was used as the positive control. As a negative control, an SS coupon without inoculum was included in all assays.Table 2
Primers used for the RAPD-PCR method.
Primers
Sequences (5′–3′)
OPL5
ACGCAGGCAC
RAPD5
AACGCGCAAC
P1
CCGCAGCCAA
P2
AACGGGCAGA


#### 2.3.1. Epifluorescence Microscopy

After the incubation at 25°C for 8 d, the SS coupons were removed from the glass test tubes containing 10 mL of TSB with 0.5% glucose using sterile forces. Each coupon was washed with 1 mL PBS for 10 s to eliminate nonadhered cells. The coupons were stained with 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA; 10μg/mL), rinsed with sterile distilled water, dried in a level II cabinet, and observed under a Nikon Eclipse E400 epifluorescent microscope, using 100× oil immersion lens and the filter BA 515 B2a at 450–900 nm. At least 18 fields were observed. Once inside the cell, the diacetate is hydrolyzed by intracellular nonspecific esterases, producing carboxyfluorescein (CF), which is retained by live cells with an intact plasma membrane [19, 20].


#### 2.3.2. SEM

After the incubation at 25°C for 8 d, the SS coupons were treated as indicated in Section2.3.1. They were further dried and transferred to 2% glutaraldehyde at 4°C for 2 h to fix the sample [21, 22]. Next, the samples were dehydrated in serial dilutions of ethanol at 30, 50, 60, 70, 90, and 95% at 4°C for 10 min each. Furthermore, three transfers were performed in 100% ethanol for 10 min each. The samples were vacuum-dried and gold-coated for 30 s. Biofilms were observed, using a TESCAN Mira3 LMU scanning electron microscope.


### 2.4. Genomic Fingerprinting ofS. aureus Isolates

The differentiation of theS. aureus isolates with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics associated with biofilm formation (presence of icaADBC genes, in addition to the presence of virulence determinants in their genome) was performed by the RAPD-PCR method. Primers used for this purpose were OPL5, RAPD5, P1, and P2 (Table 2) according to the method previously described [23, 24]. Strains of S. aureus ATCC 25923 and 51811 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus ATCC 11778 were included to enable the comparison of genetic variability. RAPD-PCR band patterns from each primer were scanned, and profile grouping (dendrogram) was performed with the PAST (PAleontological Statistics) version 3.20 software (University of Oslo, Noruega), using Jaccard’s coefficient and the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis [25].


### 2.5. Statistical Analysis

Pearson’s chi-squared test was employed at thep<0.05 significance level to compare differences between groups. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS for the Windows software, version 11.0.


## 2.1.S. aureus Isolates

S. aureus (SA1–SA84) strains were isolated from food contact surfaces (FCS) of six dairy industries in the Mexican state of Jalisco [13]. The S. aureus strains were identified by the methods described in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual (Gram staining, the coagulase and Voges–Proskauer tests, tests for catalase and thermostable nuclease, and glucose and mannitol utilization test), and finally, PCR was used for confirmation (PCR amplification of genes encoding for 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and thermonuclease (nuc)) [13]. The strains were cultivated in tryptic soy broth (TSB; Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems) for 24 h at 37°C. All strains were subcultured in TSB with 0.25% glucose (w/v) for 24 h at 37°C for the quantification of biofilm formation and in TSB with 0.5% glucose (w/v) for 8 d at 25°C for biofilm formation on stainless steel. The S. aureus strain ATCC 25923, a strong biofilm former, was used as a positive control.


## 2.2. Biofilm Formation Assays

### 2.2.1. Phenotype Analysis of Biofilm Production

The isolates were characterized phenotypically by culture on Congo red agar (CRA) plates, as described by Arciola et al. [14]. Briefly, agar plates were prepared by adding 0.8 g Congo red (Sigma-Aldrich) and 36 g saccharose (Sigma-Aldrich) to 1 L blood agar (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems), followed by incubation at 37°C for 24 and 48 h. The macroscopic characteristics of the S. aureus isolates in the CRA were observed. Crusty black colonies, with a dry filamentous appearance, were recorded as biofilm producers, smooth pink colonies as nonproducers, and intermediate colony morphology (pink with dark centers resembling bull’s eyes), as potential biofilm producers [15].


### 2.2.2. Quantification of Biofilm Formation

The ability of the strains to form biofilms was investigated in 96-well flat-bottomed microtiter polystyrene plates [16]. For each strain, three wells of the microtiter plate were filled with 200 μL bacterial suspension in TSB with 0.25% glucose (w/v) (TSB + 0.25% G). Then, the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Wells filled with the broth medium (TSB + 0.25% G) were used as negative controls, and S. aureus ATCC 25923 was used as the positive control. Next, the content of each well was aspirated and washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; 7 mM Na2HPO4, 3 mM NaH2PO4, and 130 mM NaCl, pH 7.4) to remove the planktonic bacteria. The attached bacteria were fixed with 95% ethanol for 5 min; then, the plates were emptied and left to dry. The plates were stained with 100 µL of 1% (w/v) crystal violet solution per well for 5 min. The excess stain was rinsed off with sterile distilled water, and the microtiter plates were air-dried. The optical density of each well was measured at 570 nm (OD570), using the Multiskan FC (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Madison, WI). Biofilm formation was interpreted as highly positive (OD570 ≥ 1), low-grade positive (0.1 ≤ OD570 < 1), or negative (OD570 < 0.1).


### 2.2.3. Detection oficaADBC Genes

Genomic DNA was extracted, using the protocol described by Pu et al. [17]. Detection of the icaADBC genes in S. aureus was performed, as stated by Diemond-Hernández et al. [18]. The amplifications were performed using the Thermal Cycler (TechNet; Bibby Scientific Ltd., UK). The initial step (94°C for 5 min) was followed by 30 cycles with annealing at 60°C for 1 min (icaA), 59°C for 1 min (icaB), 42°C for 1 min (icaC), or 59°C for 1 min (icaD) and a final step at 72°C for 7 min (Table 1). After amplification, the products were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel (ultrapure agarose; Invitrogen), containing 0.5 µg/mL ethidium bromide (Sigma-Aldrich), and visualized by transillumination under ultraviolet light. S. aureus ATCC 25923 was used as the positive control.Table 1
Primers used for amplification of the adhesin genes ofStaphylococcus aureus [18].
Primers
Sequences (5′–3′)
Product sizes (base pairs)
icaA forward
GAC CTC GAA GTC AAT AGA GGT
814
icaA reverse
CCC AGT ATA ACG TTG GAT ACC
icaB forward
ATC GCT TAA AGC ACA CGA CGC
526
icaB reverse
TAT CGG CAT CTG GTG TGA CAG
icaC forward
ATA AAC TTG AAT TAG TGT ATT
989
icaC reverse
ATA TAT AAA ACT CTC TTA ACA
icaD forward
AGG CAA TAT CCA ACG GTA A
371
icaD reverse
GTC ACG ACC TTT CTT ATA TT


## 2.2.1. Phenotype Analysis of Biofilm Production

The isolates were characterized phenotypically by culture on Congo red agar (CRA) plates, as described by Arciola et al. [14]. Briefly, agar plates were prepared by adding 0.8 g Congo red (Sigma-Aldrich) and 36 g saccharose (Sigma-Aldrich) to 1 L blood agar (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems), followed by incubation at 37°C for 24 and 48 h. The macroscopic characteristics of the S. aureus isolates in the CRA were observed. Crusty black colonies, with a dry filamentous appearance, were recorded as biofilm producers, smooth pink colonies as nonproducers, and intermediate colony morphology (pink with dark centers resembling bull’s eyes), as potential biofilm producers [15].


## 2.2.2. Quantification of Biofilm Formation

The ability of the strains to form biofilms was investigated in 96-well flat-bottomed microtiter polystyrene plates [16]. For each strain, three wells of the microtiter plate were filled with 200 μL bacterial suspension in TSB with 0.25% glucose (w/v) (TSB + 0.25% G). Then, the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Wells filled with the broth medium (TSB + 0.25% G) were used as negative controls, and S. aureus ATCC 25923 was used as the positive control. Next, the content of each well was aspirated and washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; 7 mM Na2HPO4, 3 mM NaH2PO4, and 130 mM NaCl, pH 7.4) to remove the planktonic bacteria. The attached bacteria were fixed with 95% ethanol for 5 min; then, the plates were emptied and left to dry. The plates were stained with 100 µL of 1% (w/v) crystal violet solution per well for 5 min. The excess stain was rinsed off with sterile distilled water, and the microtiter plates were air-dried. The optical density of each well was measured at 570 nm (OD570), using the Multiskan FC (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Madison, WI). Biofilm formation was interpreted as highly positive (OD570 ≥ 1), low-grade positive (0.1 ≤ OD570 < 1), or negative (OD570 < 0.1).


## 2.2.3. Detection oficaADBC Genes

Genomic DNA was extracted, using the protocol described by Pu et al. [17]. Detection of the icaADBC genes in S. aureus was performed, as stated by Diemond-Hernández et al. [18]. The amplifications were performed using the Thermal Cycler (TechNet; Bibby Scientific Ltd., UK). The initial step (94°C for 5 min) was followed by 30 cycles with annealing at 60°C for 1 min (icaA), 59°C for 1 min (icaB), 42°C for 1 min (icaC), or 59°C for 1 min (icaD) and a final step at 72°C for 7 min (Table 1). After amplification, the products were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel (ultrapure agarose; Invitrogen), containing 0.5 µg/mL ethidium bromide (Sigma-Aldrich), and visualized by transillumination under ultraviolet light. S. aureus ATCC 25923 was used as the positive control.Table 1
Primers used for amplification of the adhesin genes ofStaphylococcus aureus [18].
Primers
Sequences (5′–3′)
Product sizes (base pairs)
icaA forward
GAC CTC GAA GTC AAT AGA GGT
814
icaA reverse
CCC AGT ATA ACG TTG GAT ACC
icaB forward
ATC GCT TAA AGC ACA CGA CGC
526
icaB reverse
TAT CGG CAT CTG GTG TGA CAG
icaC forward
ATA AAC TTG AAT TAG TGT ATT
989
icaC reverse
ATA TAT AAA ACT CTC TTA ACA
icaD forward
AGG CAA TAT CCA ACG GTA A
371
icaD reverse
GTC ACG ACC TTT CTT ATA TT


## 2.3. Conditions for Biofilm Formation

Stainless-steel (SS) coupons (AISI 316, 0.8 × 2.0 × 0.1 cm) were used as an experimental surface. The coupons were consecutively cleaned, according to the method described by Marques et al. [5]. For the biofilm formation, each SS coupon was individually introduced into glass test tubes (20 × 150 mm) containing 10 mL of TSB with 0.5% glucose (TSB + 0.5% G). The monospecies biofilms were inoculated with 100 μL of cultures incubated at 37°C/24 h (containing approximately 108 CFU/mL of the corresponding strains) (Table 2); after that, the biofilms were incubated at 25°C for 8 d. Afterwards, cell viability was determined by the standard plate count technique on standard agar (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Systems) with incubation at 37°C for 24 h. Biofilm formation was observed, using epifluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three replicates were performed for each strain. S. aureus ATCC 25923 was used as the positive control. As a negative control, an SS coupon without inoculum was included in all assays.Table 2
Primers used for the RAPD-PCR method.
Primers
Sequences (5′–3′)
OPL5
ACGCAGGCAC
RAPD5
AACGCGCAAC
P1
CCGCAGCCAA
P2
AACGGGCAGA


### 2.3.1. Epifluorescence Microscopy

After the incubation at 25°C for 8 d, the SS coupons were removed from the glass test tubes containing 10 mL of TSB with 0.5% glucose using sterile forces. Each coupon was washed with 1 mL PBS for 10 s to eliminate nonadhered cells. The coupons were stained with 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA; 10μg/mL), rinsed with sterile distilled water, dried in a level II cabinet, and observed under a Nikon Eclipse E400 epifluorescent microscope, using 100× oil immersion lens and the filter BA 515 B2a at 450–900 nm. At least 18 fields were observed. Once inside the cell, the diacetate is hydrolyzed by intracellular nonspecific esterases, producing carboxyfluorescein (CF), which is retained by live cells with an intact plasma membrane [19, 20].


### 2.3.2. SEM

After the incubation at 25°C for 8 d, the SS coupons were treated as indicated in Section2.3.1. They were further dried and transferred to 2% glutaraldehyde at 4°C for 2 h to fix the sample [21, 22]. Next, the samples were dehydrated in serial dilutions of ethanol at 30, 50, 60, 70, 90, and 95% at 4°C for 10 min each. Furthermore, three transfers were performed in 100% ethanol for 10 min each. The samples were vacuum-dried and gold-coated for 30 s. Biofilms were observed, using a TESCAN Mira3 LMU scanning electron microscope.


## 2.3.1. Epifluorescence Microscopy

After the incubation at 25°C for 8 d, the SS coupons were removed from the glass test tubes containing 10 mL of TSB with 0.5% glucose using sterile forces. Each coupon was washed with 1 mL PBS for 10 s to eliminate nonadhered cells. The coupons were stained with 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA; 10μg/mL), rinsed with sterile distilled water, dried in a level II cabinet, and observed under a Nikon Eclipse E400 epifluorescent microscope, using 100× oil immersion lens and the filter BA 515 B2a at 450–900 nm. At least 18 fields were observed. Once inside the cell, the diacetate is hydrolyzed by intracellular nonspecific esterases, producing carboxyfluorescein (CF), which is retained by live cells with an intact plasma membrane [19, 20].


## 2.3.2. SEM

After the incubation at 25°C for 8 d, the SS coupons were treated as indicated in Section2.3.1. They were further dried and transferred to 2% glutaraldehyde at 4°C for 2 h to fix the sample [21, 22]. Next, the samples were dehydrated in serial dilutions of ethanol at 30, 50, 60, 70, 90, and 95% at 4°C for 10 min each. Furthermore, three transfers were performed in 100% ethanol for 10 min each. The samples were vacuum-dried and gold-coated for 30 s. Biofilms were observed, using a TESCAN Mira3 LMU scanning electron microscope.


## 2.4. Genomic Fingerprinting ofS. aureus Isolates

The differentiation of theS. aureus isolates with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics associated with biofilm formation (presence of icaADBC genes, in addition to the presence of virulence determinants in their genome) was performed by the RAPD-PCR method. Primers used for this purpose were OPL5, RAPD5, P1, and P2 (Table 2) according to the method previously described [23, 24]. Strains of S. aureus ATCC 25923 and 51811 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus ATCC 11778 were included to enable the comparison of genetic variability. RAPD-PCR band patterns from each primer were scanned, and profile grouping (dendrogram) was performed with the PAST (PAleontological Statistics) version 3.20 software (University of Oslo, Noruega), using Jaccard’s coefficient and the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis [25].


## 2.5. Statistical Analysis

Pearson’s chi-squared test was employed at thep<0.05 significance level to compare differences between groups. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS for the Windows software, version 11.0.


## 3. Results

A total of 84S. aureus strains (SA1−SA84) were studied to estimate their potential to adhere to, and, subsequently, form biofilms on food contact surfaces. Biofilms were quantified regarding biomass accumulation, using the crystal violet staining method. The OD570 results showed that 90.4% (76/84) of the strains (SA1 to SA76) isolated from the food contact surfaces were low-grade biofilm formers (0.1 ≤ OD570 < 1), 7.1 % (6/84) were highly positive biofilm formers (OD570 ≥ 1), and 2.3% (2/84) were biofilm negative (OD570 < 0.1). On CRA, 75% (63/84) of the S. aureus isolates were biofilm producers, 16.6% (14/84) were non-biofilm producers, and 8.3% (7/84) exhibit a noncharacteristic phenotype (Figure 1). At least one intercellular adhesion gene was present in 76.1% (64/84) of the S. aureus isolates with low-grade biofilm formation (Table 3). Some of the genes of the icaADBC locus were detected in most of the strains, with a positive correlation (r=0.798,p>0.05) between the icaADBC genes and CRA.Figure 1
CRA plate test. Black colonies of the slime-producingS. aureus: (A) S. aureus 4E; (B) S. aureus 9; (C) S. aureus 13; (D) S. aureus 19.Table 3
icaADBC genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from food contact surfaces.
Strain
Number of isolates
icaB
icaD
icaA + icaD
icaB + icaC
icaADBC
S. aureus (SA1–SA84)
64
1
2
16
1
44
SA =S. aureus.Among 84S. aureus strains, four S. aureus (SA-4E, SA-9, SA-13, and SA-19) were examined by epifluorescence and SEM. The four S. aureus strains were considered, according to the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics associated with biofilm formation (Table 4). In addition to the ability of biofilm production, it is important to highlight that these strains are potential enterotoxin producers as se genes have been previously detected in their genomes [13]. The genetic variability of these strains of S. aureus isolates was determined by RAPD-PCR genotyping using four different primers (Table 2). Strains were grouped into five main clusters (I–V) (Figure 2). Cluster I is composed of strains SA-13 and SA19. Cluster II includes the strain SA-9. Cluster III includes the strain SA-4E. Group IV comprises the strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and 51811. And finally, cluster V comprises the strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus ATCC 11778. The genetic variability of the strains of S. aureus was demonstrated by RAPD-PCR analysis.Table 4
Association between the biofilm phenotype on Congo red agar, slime production, adherence assay, and the presence oficaADBC genes in Staphylococcus aureus.
Bacterial strain
Source
Presence oficaADBC
Adherence state
Biofilm phenotype on CRA
Slime production
icaA
icaB
icaC
icaD
SA-4Esec, sed, seg, sej, nuc∗
FSC-stainless steel
+
+
+
+
Low-grade positive
Black
Figure1(A)
SA‐9sec, sed, seh, sej, nuc∗
FSC-stainless steel
+
+
+
+
Low-grade positive
Black
Figure1(B)
SA-13seb, sed, sei, nuc∗
FSC-stainless steel
+
+
+
+
Highly positive
Black
Figure1(C)
SA-19sea, sej, nuc∗
FSC-stainless steel
+
+
+
+
Low-grade positive
Black
Figure1(D)
∗Virulence determinants in the genome of the strains of S. aureus [13].Figure 2
Dendrogram of isolated strains based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient. Strains: SA-4E, SA-9, SA-13, and SA-14 (Staphylococcus aureus isolated from food contact surfaces); C1 (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923); C2 (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 51811); L (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus ATCC 11778).The fourS. aureus strains showed the ability to form single-species biofilms on SS coupons at 25°C; cell adhesion was visualized during biofilm maturation by epifluorescence microscopy (Figure 3). With this technique, it is possible to observe the presence of metabolically active living cells, and the diacetate is hydrolyzed by intracellular nonspecific esterases, producing carboxyfluorescein (CF) that indicates the integrity of the plasma membrane and esterase activity. Moreover, in the SEM microphotographs, the surface of microcolonies of the biofilm of the four S. aureus strains was visualized as well as probably the presence of the EPS (Figure 4). All isolates evaluated in this study had a concentration ranging from 7.15 ± 0.15 to 7.82 ± 0.25 log CFU cm−2 on the SS coupons, and no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed among them.Figure 3
Epifluorescence photomicrograph of biofilms ofStaphylococcus aureus isolates from food contact surfaces. Biofilms were developed on SS by 8 days of incubation in TSB with 0.5% glucose at 25°C: (A) S. aureus 4E; (B) S. aureus 9; (C) S. aureus 13; (D) S. aureus 19. The white bar scale indicates 10 μm.Figure 4
Scanning electron photomicrograph of biofilms ofStaphylococcus aureus isolates from food contact surfaces. Biofilms were developed on SS by 8 days of incubation in TSB with 0.5% glucose at 25°C: (A) S. aureus 4E; (B) S. aureus 9; (C) S. aureus 13; (D) S. aureus 19. Bar = 2 μm.


## 4. Discussion

Biofilms formed on food contact surfaces can lead to significant health problems. Biofilms reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers, cause economic losses to industries, and contaminate food and can increase the level of antimicrobial resistance [26]. Our results indicated that most of the examined S. aureus strains had at least one intercellular adhesion gene involved in the formation of PIA. Of note, 44 strains harbor the 4 genes of the icaADBC locus, which support their ability to produce biofilms. Most of the S. aureus strains formed the biofilm in an ica-dependent mechanism. This finding is consistent with results reported by Tang et al. [12], who detected icaAD and icaBC in 87.5% (n = 57) of S. aureus strains isolated from several sources (chicken, food samples, and goats). Gutiérrez et al. [27] also showed that 100% of S. aureus (n = 63) strains collected from various food contact surfaces in the dairy, meat, and seafood industries were positive for the icaA and icaD genes.In the current study, most of the evaluated strains wereS. aureus biofilm producers. Similar results were obtained by Szczuka et al. [9], who reported that, of 74 biofilm-positive strains, 56 carried the icaA (76%) gene and produced slime on CRA. However, the variation between phenotypic and genotypic methods for detection of the biofilm produced by S. aureus has been reported, regarding CRA [28]. Congo red can directly interact with certain polysaccharides, forming colored pigments [29], and some metabolic reactions that form secondary products with the dye can influence the formation of dark colonies [14]. Nevertheless, Kim et al. [30] determined slime production under various environmental conditions (1% dextrose, 5% NaCl, and their combination) in four S. aureus strains (ATCC 12600, D8, D29, and C52), but the results did not indicate any influence of the tested conditions on slime production.Consequently, the CRA technique could be used as the presumptive test for the formation of a biofilm. However, Arciola et al. [14] suggest that the phenotypic change may be caused by a deletion of the ica operon rather than an insertion event which inactivates the ica genes. The type of the food contact surface and diverse environmental factors, such as osmolarity, nutrient content, and temperature, and genetics, such as the presence of sarA, ica, and agr genes [31], may influence the development of a biofilm by S. aureus and, consequently, its persistence on contact surfaces within the food industry [32]. Moreover, the ica operon expression is strongly influenced by environmental factors, such as glucose, temperature, osmolarity, and growth under anaerobic conditions [33]. Li et al. [34] reported that, besides icaAD and icaBC, other virulence regulators including bap, sigB, and sar might be crucial biofilm-associated genes because these genes are expressed more often in biofilm-positive strains than in biofilm-negative strains.Rode et al. [32] demonstrated that temperatures suboptimal for growth increased the biofilm formation in eleven S. aureus strains and the highest biofilm production occurred at 25, 30, and 46°C, whereas, in general, biofilm formation was low at 42°C. Da Silva Meira et al. [22] evaluated the biofilm formation of three food industry-associated S. aureus isolates on SS and polypropylene surfaces, incubated in a vegetable-based medium at two temperatures (7 and 28°C/15 d), deducing that the biofilm development was favored at 28°C, without significant differences between the type of surface. Bae et al. [35] found that populations of five food-borne pathogens including S. aureus formed biofilms with 8.8–9.3 and 9.4–10.3 log CFU/coupon on SS and polypropylene surfaces, respectively. Consequently, these isolates of S. aureus (SA-4E, SA-9, SA-13, and SA-19) have the ability to form biofilms on food contact surfaces.


## 5. Conclusion

In conclusion, this study showed the biofilm-forming ability ofS. aureus, isolated from food contact surfaces in the dairy industry. Biofilm formation can cause public health problems and economic losses, associated with food contamination by the pathogen and equipment damage, by favoring equipment corrosion or resistance to hygiene treatments of food contact surfaces.



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*Source: 1746139-2018-08-19.xml*