CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI ATTACHMENT WITHIN MIXED POPULATION BIOFILMS FORMED ON STAINLESS STEEL

Authors: Sanders, Sheriase; Boothe, Dorothy; FRANK, J - UGA; Arnold, Judy

Submitted to: American Society for Microbiology Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/30/2004
Publication Date: 10/21/2004
Citation: Sanders, S.Q., Boothe, D.D., Frank, J.F., Arnold, J.W. 2004. Campylobacter jejuni attachment within mixed population biofilms formed on stainless steel [abstract]. American Society for Microbiology Meeting. p. 21.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Culture methods were developed to allow Campylobacter jejuni growth and attachment to biofilms in liquid media. C. jejuni 1221 gfp, which constitutively expresses green fluorescent protein (gfp), was used as a target pathogen along with natural populations of bacteria from broiler carcasses to produce biofilms on stainless steel coupons. Biofilm growth was formed at 37 C during time intervals of 24, 48, 96 and 168 hours under ambient atmospheric conditions. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to analyze biofilm formation of C. jejuni 1221 gfp alone and with mixed populations on stainless steel. The average surface area covered increased on the steel coupons between 24 and 48 hours by C. jejuni 1221 gfp when observed for attachment without a pre-existing biofilm. During 48 and 96 hours, the surface area coverage were at equivalent levels, however after 168 hours, C. jejuni 1221 gfp coverage decreased. C. jejuni 1221 gfp detection was also characterized by an initial increase and subsequent decrease in surface area coverage when mixed with the other bacterial populations for each time period. Data suggested that the presence of mixed population biofilms enhanced attachment and detection of C. jejuni 1221 gfp to the stainless steel coupons.