DefinePK

Abstract

Biofilm significantly contributes to disease transmission on poultry farms by increasing microbial resistance to antimicrobials and disinfectants. Three Salmonella spp. and three Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) species from poultry farm environments were tested for biofilm formation using a tissue culture plate assay. All strains formed biofilms with varying densities. It was found that S. typhimurium strains were positive for the gcpA, csgD, and adrA genes, while S. aureus isolates were positive for the icaD, eno, and fnbA genes. The biofilm formation by mono- and dual-bacteria on plastic (PL) and galvanized steel (GS) coupons was tested in a lab setting similar to a chicken farm. The surface type impacted biofilm density; the S. aureus count on PL was 8.11±0.03 log10 CFU/coupon, and the S. typhimurium count was 1.54±0.02 log10 CFU/coupon. On GS, S. aureus count was 4.22 log10 CFU/coupon on day 9, then decreased to 3.81±0.06 log10 CFU/coupon, and S. typhimurium reached 3.08 log10 CFU/coupon before decreasing to 1.86±0.06 log10 CFU/coupon. The generated biofilms were identified using SEM. In conclusion, the bacteria formed more mono- and dual-species biofilm on PL than on GS under dry conditions. Species, serotypes, surfaces, and environment influence biofilm formation. Keywords: Dry biofilm, S. typhimurium, S. aureus, Galvanized Steel and Poultry house.