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OJVR
Online Journal of
Veterinary Research©
Volume 13 (2):57-64
2009
Biofilm-forming ability and antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus intermedius
isolated from dog-to-dog bite wounds
CIISA / Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária
da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477
Lisboa, Portugal *Correspondence
ABSTRACT
Oliveira M, Mouro S, Niza M, Lobo Vilela C., Biofilm-forming
ability and antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus intermedius isolated
from dog-to-dog bite wounds, Online J Vet Res., 13 (2):57-64, 2009. Staphylococci are commonly found in infected wounds, although
their virulence may differ among the strains. One of the relevant virulence
factors identified in staphylococci is biofilm-forming
ability, which allows for the evasion of host defences and survival at high
antimicrobial concentrations. Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus intermedius
isolates from infected and non-infected dog-to-dog bite wounds was evaluated
using a Fluorescent In Situ
Hybridisation (FISH) protocol. Seven isolates (43.75%) were able to form biofilm in vitro.
Although no association was found between wound infection and biofilm formation by S.
intermedius (Friedman’s
Test), biofilm production may influence
the outcome of an infection, by impairing antibiotherapy
efficacy. In our study, biofilm
production was related to resistance to antimicrobial compounds from most
classes (Friedman’s Test), with exception for the β-lactams
AMP, P and PRL and the lincosamide DA. Further studies are also required to determine whether
biofilm-producing ability of S. intermedius is a significant virulence
trait for skin infections in dogs, and its potential zoonotic
role.
Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; biofilm;
dog-to-dog bite wound; Staphylococcus
intermedius; wound infection