Biofilm production among Staphylococcus epidermidis strains isolated from healthy people

Abstract

Introduction: Staphylococcus epidermidis is well documented as a nosocomial pathogen causing biofilm in patients and healthy people. The aim of this study was to analyze the biofilm formation of S. epidermidis strains isolated from healthy people during 2013-2014. Materials and methods: Totally 200 healthy people were selected and the sampling was carried out from arm, armpit and axillary area using sterile swaps. Swaps were transferred to thiogylcollate broth and then cultured on mannitol salt agar plates. Isolates were identified at the species level using biochemical tests. Potential of biofilm formation of strains was measured using congo red agar plate and microtiter plate tests. Genes involved in biofilm formation, icaA and icaD, were detected using PCR. Results: Totally 104 S. epidermidis strains were isolated from healthy people. Amongst these, 66 (63%) and 38 (37%) strains were positive and negative for biofilm formation, respectively. icaA and icaD genes were detected in 100% of strains. Discussion and conclusion: Prevalence of biofilm producing S. epidermidis isolates among healthy people indicating their colonization with hospital strains. Prevalence of such strains is  urgent for public health