ISOLATION OF BIOFILM FORMING BACTERIA FROM UTI INFECTED PATIENTS AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ANTIBIOTICS AGAINST THE ISOLATES

In the present study the urine sample was collected from various hospitals in Thanjavur. The samples were stored on specific leek proof aseptic container. Bacterial species were isolated from the urine sample using Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar medium. The bacteria isolated were identified with the help of culture morphological and biochemical characteristics. The biofilm forming ability of the collected pathogens was determined by both tube assay and spectrophotometric analyses. The isolated human pathogenic bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus were observed positive results. In the present study exopolysaccharide and the protein content of EPS can be determined. Chemical analysis of EPS matrix was done and it was observed that content of protein was more as compared to carbohydrate. Antibacterial activity test was carried out following the modification of the method originally described by Bauer et al., (1996). In bacteria the maximum zone of inhibition was observed in antibiotic ciprofloxacin. To conclude, there was significant bacteriuria in all the symptomatic catheterized patients and Proteus vulgaris was the most frequent isolate in the urinary tract infections in the catheterized patients. The microbial biofilms may pose a public health problem for the persons who require indwelling medical devices, as the microorganisms in the biofilms are difficult to treat with antimicrobial agents.