Risk factor detection for biofilm formation in E. coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common causative agent of urinary tract infection. UTI is commonly associated with biofilm formation that acts as defense mechanism against host immune system, yet bacterial or host risk factors for biofilm formation are unclear. Bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infection were used. Strain antimicrobial susceptibility according to EUCAST standard, biofilm formation capability using Chrystal violet assay and strain molecular typing were performed and analyzed in accordance with patient clinical parameters. In total 175 E. coli strains were analyzed, ESBL expression and clinically relevant biofilm formation was detected commonly. Longer incubation period was associated with greater biofilm biomass. Several clinical factors as presence of urinary catheters were associated with greater biofilm production. E. coli biofilm formation is a serious and common bacterial mechanism to gain better resistance towards the host and antimicrobial treatment. Certain bacterial and host risk factors for strong biofilm producing E. coli phenotype can be identified and used for risk stratification to select proper treatment.