Sphingomonas paucimobilis as a biofilm producer

• Published in: Archives of biological sciences Vol. 64; no. 4; pp. 1327 - 1331
• Main Authors: Gusman, Vera, Medic, Deana, Jelesic, Zora, Mihajlovic-Ukropina, Mira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Belgrade, University of Novi Sad 2012
• Subjects: biofilm; drinking water; Sphingomonas paucimobilis
• ISSN: 0354-4664; 1821-4339
• DOI: 10.2298/ABS1204327G

The aim of this study was, for the first time in our country, to identify the
capability of isolates of Sphingomonas paucimobilis to form a biofilm. In the
3-month period from January 1st to March 31st 2010, a total of 2630 samples
of drinking water were microbiologically examined in the Institute of Public
Health of Vojvodina, Serbia. From all examined samples of drinking water,
non-fermentative Gram-negative oxidase positive bacilli were identified in
113 samples (4.30%). The bacteria isolates were identified as Sphingomonas
paucimobilis (4 isolates), based on analysis by the automated VITEK 2 Compact
system; biofilm formation was examined according to the modified method of
Stepanovic et al. (2000). All 4 Sphingomonas paucimobilis strains tested
showed a strong biofilm-producing ability. Considering the potential
pathogenic features of Sphingomonas paucimobilis, the presence of these
strains in drinking water distribution systems is not desirable. Therefore,
adequate biofilm degradation and management of drinking-water distribution
networks that will guarantee microbiologically safe drinking water is
recommended.
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