Detection of Cell Surface Hydrophobicity and Biofilm formation among ESBL- and non-ESBL- producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Background: Attachment of the bacteria to the host cell and ability to invade the cell are regarded as an important step in the infectious process. The hydrophobicity of the microbial surface plays a critical role in the adherence of bacteria to the wide variety of surfaces. And it is also a significant determinant of adhesion and biofilm formation on polystyrene surfaces. The ability of biofilm formation can increase survival of microorganism, because cell growing in biofilm are highly resistant to the components of the human immune system and many antimicrobial agents. Infection caused by ESBL- producers are associated with severe adverse outcomes and may be related to increased virulence of these strains. Methods: Urinary E. coli isolates that were resistant to at least one of the three indicator cephalosporins (cefotaxime, cefpodoxime and ceftazidime) were tested for ESBL production by quantitative E-strip method. A total of 100 urinary Escherichia coli strains were tested for CSH by salt aggregation method and Biofilm production by tissue culture plate method, of which 50 strains were from ESBL and 50 from non-ESBL-producing uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains. Results: Among ESBL producers, 19 (38%) were CSH positive and 34 (68%) were biofilm producers. However among non-ESBL producers, 05 (10%) were CSH positive and 12 (24%) were biofilm producers. Statistically significant difference (