Biofilm formation, biofilm-associated genes, and antibiotic resistance in clinical Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates in Northeastern Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is recognized as an opportunistic pathogen due to its ability to form biofilms and its antibiotic resistance, posing significant clinical challenges. This study assessed the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of biofilm formation in S. maltophilia isolates from various clinical samples and their antibiotic resistance profiles.
METHODS: For this cross-sectional analysis, 93 S. maltophilia suspected isolates were collected from patients at three hospitals in Northeastern Iran. Bacterial isolates were identified through conventional microbiological and biochemical assays. The confirmation of S. maltophilia species was further verified by evaluating its intrinsic carbapenem resistance and performing 23S rRNA-targeted PCR. To assess biofilm formation, we utilized the microtiter plate method, and biofilm-associated genes (spgM, rmlA, rpfF, and smf-1) were evaluated by PCR. The disk diffusion method was employed to assess antibiotic susceptibility.
RESULTS: All 93 isolates were verified to be S. maltophilia. Phenotypically, 75.3 % exhibited strong biofilm formation, 22.6 % moderate, 1.1 % weak, and 1.1 % could not form biofilms. Genotypically, the frequencies of biofilm-associated genes were: smf-1 (100 %), spgM (94.6 %), rpfF (83.9 %), and rmlA (35.5 %). Genotype 1 (spgM+/rmlA+/rpfF+/smf-1+) demonstrated significantly higher OD570, indicating stronger biofilm formation than genotype 3 (spgM+/rmlA-/rpfF+/smf-1+), with a positive…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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