T.S.C. Rao

Characterization of biofilms in different clinical M serotypes of Streptococcus pyogenes.

Streptococcus pyogenes is a notorious human pathogen responsible for a wide array of infections. The ability of S. pyogenes to form biofilms is an innate property during the pathogenesis of invasive infections. From the eleven M serotypes tested: M56, M74, M100, M65, M89 and st38 formed dense biofilms in 48 h. The present study is the first of its kind to report about the biofilm formation in the serotypes M56, M65 M74 M100 and st38. XTT reduction assay of the biofilms showed decreased metabolic activity with increase in incubation time. The surface architecture of the biofilms when observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the microcolony formation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to compare the surface topography and thickness of biofilms between the biofilm formers with and without the addition of glucose. Interestingly a non‐biofilm former (st2147) was induced to form biofilms with the addition of glucose. On correlating the drug (erythromycin) resistance of the various M serotypes with their biofilm forming ability we noticed that erythromycin sensitive strains were found to be good biofilm formers. We also noticed that biofilm formation in S. pyogenes is independent of sil gene. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Microbial Fouling in a Water Treatment Plant and Its Control Using Biocides

　Water treatment plants (WTP) are vital in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical process industries. This investigation describes the dense microbial fouling by microbes and organic compounds in a WTP of a heavy water producing industrial unit. On-site observations showed severe algal and bacterial growth in the various units of the WTP which are open to the atmosphere and very dense fungal fouling in the closed vacuum degasser unit. Digital and microscopic images showed that the microbial fouling problem was primarily due to a fungus. Microbiological analysis showed a count of ~105 cfu mL-1 in various sections of the WTP. On the contrary, slime/biofilm scrapings had very high bacterial populations (>109 cfu cm-2). High organic carbon values in the system (5.0 to 19.5 ppm) had supported the growth of the fouling fungus in various sections of the WTP along with bacteria. Chlorination was found to be inadequate in controlling the biofouling problem. Consequently chlorine dioxide was tested and found to be a better biocide in controlling the bacterial population. A 2.0% Sodium-2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide solution had completely inhibited the fouling fungus. The paper discusses the importance of fungal adaptation in an industrial unit and highlights the biodeterioration of various sections of the WTP unit.