Russian Research Institute for Plague Control «Microbe», Saratov, Russia
Aim. To compare biofilm formation in main and non-main subspecies of Yersinia pestis strains as well as in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strains and to study influence of different genes on expression of this characteristic in different subspecies of Y.pestis. Materials and methods. Study of biofilm formation was performed by growing cultures on LB broth in polystyrene Petri dishes with subsequent staining of biofilms formed on the dishes’ bottom with crystal violet as well as by electron microscopy. Pigment-sorption sign was detected on differential medium with Congo red. Results. It was shown that the majority of Y.pestis strains and all strains of Y.pseudotuberculosis form well-expressed biofilms on abiotic surface. Formation of biofilms by Y.pestis strains is clearly correlates with their ability to form pigmented colonies on solid medium with dyestuff. Genes which according to literature data are necessary for biofilm formation by Y.pestis and Y.pseudotuberculosis were found in genome of
non-main species. Conclusion. Ability of Y.pestis strains belonging to main and non-main subspecies to form biofilm on abiotic surface was revealed.
Zh. Mikrobiol. (Moscow), 2009, No. 5, P. 13—19