EVALUATION OF BIOFILM PRODUCTION IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS FROM CYSTIC FIBROSIS PATIENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53582/07p86p95Keywords:
Biofilm, Staphylococcus aureus, MSSA, MRSA, CFAbstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic, life-limiting autosomal recessive disease. It is characterized by impaired chloride transport, which results in mucus retention that predisposes patients to chronic respiratory infections. Among the most common pathogens isolated from CF patients is Staphylococcus aureus, which possesses the ability to form biofilms. This ability is a key factor contributing to antimicrobial resistance and persistence. This study aimed to evaluate biofilm production in 41 clinical isolates of S. aureus from CF patients and 11 non-CF controls, using the quantitative colorimetric microtiter plate assay. Results showed that 51% (21/41) of CF isolates were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), while 49% (20/41) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Among non-CF isolates, 27.3% (3/11) were MRSA and 72.7% (8/11) were MSSA. Biofilm production was observed in 32% (13/41) of CF S. aureus isolates. Among these, 46% (6/13) were MSSA and 54% (7/13) were MRSA. The biofilm phenotypes of CF isolates were distributed as follows: 6.8% strong, 24.4% moderate, and 68.3% weak or non-producers. In non-CF isolates, 18.2% (2/11) were biofilm producers, with one strong and one moderate producer; the remaining 82% (9/11) were weak or non-producers. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of biofilm production in CF-associated S. aureus infections and underscore the need for tailored antimicrobial strategies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Gordana Mirchevska, Nadica Krsteva, Sara Nedelkoska Kokaroska, Radomir Jovchevski, Elizabeta Janchevska, Aleksandra Kacarska, Valentina Cvejoska Cholakovska, Stojka Fushtikj Naceva, Vesna Kotevska
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