doiSerbia

Sphingomonas paucimobilis as a biofilm producer

Gusman Vera (Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Center for Microbiology, Novi Sad)
Medić Deana (Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Center for Microbiology, Novi Sad)
Jelesić Zora (Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Center for Microbiology, Novi Sad)
Mihajlović-Ukropina Mira (Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Center for Microbiology, Novi Sad)

The aim of this study was, for the first time in our country, to identify the capability of isolates of Sphingomonas paucimobilis to form a biofilm. In the 3-month period from January 1st to March 31st 2010, a total of 2630 samples of drinking water were microbiologically examined in the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Serbia. From all examined samples of drinking water, non-fermentative Gram-negative oxidase positive bacilli were identified in 113 samples (4.30%). The bacteria isolates were identified as Sphingomonas paucimobilis (4 isolates), based on analysis by the automated VITEK 2 Compact system; biofilm formation was examined according to the modified method of Stepanović et al. (2000). All 4 Sphingomonas paucimobilis strains tested showed a strong biofilm-producing ability. Considering the potential pathogenic features of Sphingomonas paucimobilis, the presence of these strains in drinking water distribution systems is not desirable. Therefore, adequate biofilm degradation and management of drinking-water distribution networks that will guarantee microbiologically safe drinking water is recommended.

Keywords: Sphingomonas paucimobilis, biofilm, drinking water