Biofilm formation in catheter-related infections by Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus Authors Giorgio Silva-Santana 1. Pathology Department, School of Medicine, Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 2. Pharmacy Department, Laboratory Academic Rodolfo Albino, Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Kátia C. Lenzi-Almeida 1.Pathology Department, School of Medicine, Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 2. Environmental Science and Conservation Department, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Vânia G. S. Lopes Pathology Department, School of Medicine, Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fábio Aguiar-Alves 1. Pathology Department, School of Medicine, Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 2. Pharmacy Department, Laboratory Academic Rodolfo Albino, Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, biofilms, infections, MRSA, Panton-Valentine leukocidin Abstract The use of invasive techniques, such as intravascular catheter insertion, and the formation of biofilms in several devices by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have contributed to the increased number of septic patients, morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the virulence of strains through catheter colonization and identification of microbial biofilm, as well as pathological changes on the colonized skin. An experimental biofilm formation model utilized catheter fragments implanted subcutaneously in 25 Swiss mice. The technique consisted of inoculating a catheter fragment on the back of each animal, followed by intradermal inoculation of 50 μl of bacterial suspension at 1.0 × 107 colony forming units/ml. After 96 h, catheters were removed for macroscopic analysis and evaluated through culture. Local skin fragments were also extracted for histopathology analysis. Staphylococcus aureus can adhere to catheters, colonize and form biofilms. The high amount of viable bacterial cells colonizing catheters and virulence factors can lead to severe infections of skin and adjacent tissues. [Int Microbiol 19(4): 199-207 (2016)]Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus · biofilms · infections · MRSA · Panton-Valentine leukocidin Downloads PDF Issue Vol. 19 No. 4 (2016) Section Research Articles License Submission of a manuscript to International Microbiology implies: that the work described has not been published before, including publication in the World Wide Web (except in the form of an Abstract or as part of a published lecture, review, or thesis); that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere; that all the coauthors have agreed to its publication. The corresponding author signs for and accepts responsability for releasing this material and will act on behalf of any and all coauthors regarding the editorial review and publication process.If an article is accepted for publication in International Microbiology, the authors (or other copyright holder) must transfer to the journal the right–not exclusive–to reproduce and distribute the article including reprints, translations, photographic reproductions, microform, electronic form (offline, online) or any other reproductions of similar nature. Nevertheless, all article in International Microbiology will be available on the Internet to any reader at no cost. The journal allows users to freely download, copy, print, distribute, search, and link to the full text of any article, provided the authorship and source of the published article is cited. The copyright owner's consent does not include copying for new works, or resale. In these cases, the specific written permission of International Microbiology must first be obtained.Authors are requested to create a link to the published article on the journal's website. The link must be accompanied by the following text: "The original publication is available on LINK at <http://www.im.microbios.org>. Please use the appropiate URL for the article in LINK. Articles disseminated via LINK are indexed, abstracted, and referenced by many abstracting and information services, bibliographic networks, subscription agencies, library networks, and consortia.
