A REVIEW ON BACTERIAL BIOFILM FORMATION AND DISASSEMBLY

The icaADBC gene was first identified in Staphylococcus epidermidis, and is also present in Staphylococcus aureus and other Staphylococcal species. PIA is produced by the gene products encoded by the icaADBC operon. Asymptomatically colonized patients and health care workers are the major sources of MRSA in the hospital environment. MRSA-infected patients in burns units are particularly problematic because the big surface area of denuded skin can produce a large inoculum of organisms that can be easily transmitted to other patients via the hands of health care workers. Extensive skin lesions also result in heavy shedders of MRSA. Clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus can express the icaADBC-encoded polysaccharide intercellular adhesin/poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PIA/PNAG). The icaADBC dependent and independent pathways will be stimulated using different chemicals and level of biofilm formation as well as PIA/PNAG level will be assayed. Besides, proteomics and transcriptomics analysis will be performed to get insights in the interaction of various factors of the pathways involved in the biofilm formation in wild type as well as mutant strains. The biofilm development in MRSA is ica independent and involves a protein adhesin(s) regulated by SarA and agr, whereas SarA-regulated PIA/PNAG plays a more important role in MSSA biofilm development in ica dependent pathway. This will lead to the establishment of a comprehensive interactome of biofilm formation.