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Microbiology 152 (2006), 913-922; DOI  10.1099/mic.0.28604-0
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Microbiology 152 (2006), 913-922; DOI  10.1099/mic.0.28604-0
© 2006 Society for General Microbiology

Biofilm formation by mycoplasma species and its role in environmental persistence and survival

Laura McAuliffe1, Richard J. Ellis2, Katie Miles1, Roger D. Ayling1 and Robin A. J. Nicholas1

1 Mycoplasma Group, Department of Statutory and Exotic Bacterial Diseases, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
2 NERC Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berks SL5 7PY, UK

Correspondence
Laura McAuliffe
l.mcauliffe{at}vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk

Although mycoplasmas possess a very limited genome, little is known about their virulence mechanisms and methods of persistence in the host. Examination of a wide range of mycoplasma species found considerable variation in their ability to form a biofilm. Mycoplasma putrefaciens, M. cottewii, M. yeatsii, M. agalactiae and M. bovis produced prolific biofilms. Conversely, the highly pathogenic mycoplasma and causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC, was unable to produce a biofilm. Biofilms were found to be considerably more resistant to stress, including heat and desiccation, than planktonic cells. A link between the biofilm phenotype and genotype as determined by molecular typing was found for M. bovis. Analysis of biofilms using fluorescent staining combined with confocal microscopy demonstrated that mycoplasma biofilms formed a highly differentiated structure with stacks and channels. Biofilm formation may indicate that mycoplasmas are capable of surviving in the environment.

Abbreviations: CBPP, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia




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