Importance of Enterococcus spp. for Forming a Biofilm

Abstract

The aim of this study was to monitore the capability of Enterococcus fecalis and Enterococcus fecium to form biofilms. Enterococci isolates originated from individual milk, bulk milk samples and environmental swabs obtained at farm level, dairy plant level including semi and final dairy products. Biofilm formation potential was determined by growing the tested strains in glas tubes containing BHI medium. The capability of forming biofilms was detected in 28% of Enterococcus spp. strains. Higher number of biofilm forming strains of the Enterococcus faecium (33%) than Enterococcus faecalis (28%) has been registered. Isolates obtained at plant level were forming biofilms more often than isolates from plant level and in final products (cheese and curd cheese), no isolate has been seen to be able to form biofilm.

Keywords

• biofilm
• enterococcus fecalis
• enterococcus fecium
• dairy products
• bacteria