Biofilm Formation in Different Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Poultry.

Abstract

Little is known about Salmonella biofilm assembly, making the prevention of the disease a challenge in the poultry production chain. The objective of the present study was then to evaluate biofilm formation from different serotypes of Salmonella spp. in both polystyrene plates and eggshells. Salmonella Gallinarum and S. Minnesota were both classified as producers of biofilms of moderate intensity. Interestingly, S. Gallinarum produces biofilm even though being a serotype without flagellum and not having the lux gene in its genome, suggesting that there might be other important structures and genes associated with biofilm formation. Regarding Enteritidis, Typhimurium, Typhimurium variant, and Heidelberg serotypes, despite having high counts, BFI (Biofilm Formation Index) showed low biofilm production, probably due to the scarcity of extracellular matrix produced by such strains. A turkey eggshell model was then used for S. Enteritidis and S. Heidelberg biofilm formation. The results from the microbial count and scanning electron microscopy showed that Salmonella serotypes were also able to generate biofilm in eggshells, suggesting the presence of biofilms in poultry producing farms, a main concern for the poultry production industry.