A STUDY ON THE BIOFILM FORMATION BY MRSA ON INDWELLING CATHETERS AND IT’S PHYTO-PROPHYLACTICS

G. Krishnakumari* and M. Thangavel

ABSTRACT

Microbial biofilms are extremely complex, consisting of microorganisms attached to a surface and embedded in an organic polymer matrix of microbial origin. The self- produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances which is also referred to slime, is a polymeric conglomeration generally composed of extracellular biopolymers in various structural forms. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are responsible for the adhesion of microbes and among various EPS producing organisms methicillin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus was isolated and identified from on or within indwelling catheters. For the assay of biofilm formation Congo red agar method, Tissue culture plate method and Tube method were performed and obtain results as adherent Staphylococcal cells formed biofilms on all side walls and were uniformly stained with crystal violet in TCP method .The antibacterial activity of various plant leaf extracts like tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), papaya plant, neem and guava(Psidium guajava) were studied and among them neem and tulsi has antimicrobial activity at various concentration. Different materials were selected for the study of biofilm formation on different surfaces and materials like copper (7 x 105CFU/ml), plastic (15 x 105CFU/ml), poly acrylic(15 x 105 CFU/ml) wood and stainless steel(30 x 105CFU/ml) were selected and studied using Tryptone water broth and TSB glu(1%) BHI suc (2%) medium.

Keywords: Biofilms, Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus, EPS, antimicrobial activity.