Dynamic biofilm forming process of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholera

Abstract:

[Objective] We studied the formation of a mixed biofilm formed by Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae. [Methods] Biofilm formation was quantified using crystal violet staining, abundance of extracellular polysaccharide and extracellular protein, fluorescence in situ hybridization and colony plate count. Biofilms formed by individual and mixed strains were determined from the start and the following intervals at 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h. [Results] The amount of biofilm produced by the mixed strains was less than the total amount of biofilm produced by the individual strains, indicating there was no synergism between the strains. However, in the mixed biofilm the time of maturation was increased, the stability of the biofilm to external perturbation was enhanced and the cell density was higher. [Conclusion] The biofilm formed by a mixed population of V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholera is therefore more persistent and can potentially pose a greater risk for recontamination and subsequent development of disease.