Characterisation of Pellicles Formed by Acinetobacter baumannii at the Air-Liquid Interface

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111660
• Publication Date: 2014-10-31T18:14:57Z
• Authors: Yassine Nait Chabane; Sara Marti; Christophe Rihouey; Stéphane Alexandre; Julie Hardouin; Olivier Lesouhaitier; Jordi Vila; Jeffrey B. Kaplan; Thierry Jouenne; Emmanuelle Dé
• Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii; Pilin

The clinical importance of Acinetobacter baumannii is partly due to its natural ability survive in the hospital environment. This persistence may be explained by capacity form biofilms and, interestingly, A. can pellicles at air-liquid interface more readily than other less pathogenic species. Pellicles from twenty-six strains were morphologically classified into three groups: I) egg-shaped (27%); II) ball-shaped (50%); and III) irregular (23%). One strain representative each group was further analysed Brewster's Angle Microscopy follow pellicle development, demonstrating that their formation did not require anchoring a solid surface. Total carbohydrate analysis matrix showed main components: Glucose, GlcNAc Kdo. Dispersin B, an enzyme hydrolyzes poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) polysaccharide, inhibited formation, suggesting this exopolysaccharide contributes formation. Also associated with subunits pili assembled chaperon-usher systems: major CsuA/B, A1S_1510 (presented 45% identity pilin F17-A enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli pili) A1S_2091. presence both PNAG polysaccharide systems might contribute virulence emerging pathogen.