CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOFILM FORMATION ABILITY IN MICROORGANISMS BELONGING TO SWIMMING POOLS’ BIOCENOSES

Abstract

Background. Ability of representatives of swimming pools’ microbiocenoses to form biofilms is a parameter, significant for swimming pool visitors’ health risk assessment. The aim of the research was to characterize the ability to form biofilms by microorganisms, constituting swimming pools’ biocenoses. Material and methods. The ability of 187 strains of microorganisms to form biofilms was investigated by a standard procedure. Results. A total of 73.26±6.47% (p<0.05) of the investigated strains were able to form biofilms with different ability: 41.71±7.21% (p<0.05) – weak ability; 24.06±6.25% (p<0.05) – moderate ability; 7.49±3.85% (p<0.05) – strong biofilm producers. Biofilm producing strains were significantly more often found among microorganisms, isolated from shower room walls, than among those isolated from swimming pool hall’s walls. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate the presence of the ability to form biofilms in most microorganisms detected in the biocenoses of swimming pools. The ability to form biofilms should be taken into account while planning/correcting sanitary measures in swimming pools.

Keywords

• swimming pools
• biocenosis
• biofilms