Biofilm forming capacity and antibiotic susceptibility of with the icaA/icaD/bap genotype isolated from ocular surface of patients with diabetes.

INTRODUCTION

Bacterial biofilm is an exopolysaccharide matrix that is produced by bacteria while they adhere on abiotic or biotic surfaces. The bacteria living in this matrix are more resistant to antibiotics than planctonic bacteria. The biofilm formation property of the bacteria is determined by genes; and this is related to virulence of the microorganism. In ophthalmology, biofilms form especially on abiotic surfaces such as silicon tubes, contact lenses, intraocular lenses etc.

AIM

Our aim was to investigate genotypic and phenotypic structures of biofilms that are produced by ., which was obtained from the eyes of diabetic patients and determine the effect on antibiotic susceptibility.

METHODS

The study group was comprised with 83 isolates from diabetic patients and 21 isolates from non-diabetic patients. Presumptive isolates were detected and confirmed by a microbial identification system VITEK II. Automated EcoRI Ribotyping was performed. Biofilm production was detected by Congo Red Agar Plate and Microtiter Plate Assay. Disc diffusion method was used for determination of antibiotic susceptibility of isolates.

RESULTS

Out of the 83 isolates from diabetic patients, 25 were weakly (30%), 20 were moderately (24%), and 25 were strongly (30%) biofilm positive. Seven isolates of , 11 isolates of , 2 isolates of 3 isolates of , and 2 isolates of were identified as strong biofilm producers. Out of the 83 isolates, 37 were cefuroxime, 18 ciprofloxacin, 11 vancomycin, 12 gatifloxacin, and 18 moxifloxacin resistant. In total, 37 strains were resistant to three or more antibiotics. There was a statistically significant relation between biofilm formation and multidrug resistance (against three or more antibiotics, p<0.001). In nondiabetic patients, 15(71%) isolates were non adherent or weakly adherent, and 2(10%) were strongly adherent biofilm positive.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, bacterial conjunctival flora of patients with diabetes is likely to produce biofilm. Biofilm formation is associated with multidrug rsistance in patients with diabetes.