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. 2015 Mar 4;45(4):1423–1431. doi: 10.1590/s1517-83822014000400037

Proteus mirabilis biofilm - Qualitative and quantitative colorimetric methods-based evaluation

Joanna Kwiecinska-Piróg 1, Tomasz Bogiel 1, Krzysztof Skowron 1,✉, Ewa Wieckowska 1, Eugenia Gospodarek 1
PMCID: PMC4323319  PMID: 25763050

Abstract

Proteus mirabilis strains ability to form biofilm is a current topic of a number of research worldwide. In this study the biofilm formation of P. mirabilis strains derived from urine of the catheterized and non-catheterized patients has been investigated. A total number of 39 P. mirabilis strains isolated from the urine samples of the patients of dr Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz clinics between 2011 and 2012 was used. Biofilm formation was evaluated using two independent quantitative and qualitative methods with TTC (2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride) and CV (crystal violet) application. The obtained results confirmed biofilm formation by all the examined strains, except quantitative method with TTC, in which 7.7% of the strains did not have this ability. It was shown that P. mirabilis rods have the ability to form biofilm on the surfaces of both biomaterials applied, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride (Nelaton catheters). The differences in ability to form biofilm observed between P. mirabilis strains derived from the urine of the catheterized and non-catheterized patients were not statistically significant.

Keywords: Proteus mirabilis, biofilm, colorimetric methods

Introduction

Proteus spp. rods are widely disseminated in the environment. They live in soil, water and organisms of mammals, including humans. They play important role in the natural environment, decomposing organic material of the animal origin (Drzewiecka and Sidorczyk, 2005; Hola et al., 2012; Jacobsen and Shirtliff, 2011; Liu, 2011; Rózalski et al., 2007). The most commonly isolated representative of this genus, P. mirabilis, is the cause of the nosocomial infection butcan be also found in the digestive tract of dogs, cows and birds (Liu, 2011; Rózalski et al., 2007; Szewczyk, 2006).

Proteus spp. rods are Gram-negative bacteria (1–3 × 0.4–0.8 μm), motile at the temperature of 36 °C. They can be cultured in both, aerobic and anaerobic condition, with fermentation metabolism type. One of the main Proteus spp. strains properties is dimorphism - depending on the current environment conditions they display physiologic and morphologic changes (Jones et al., 2007; Mobley and Belas, 1995). This process is initiated by the bacteria contact with the solid surface and refers for example to morphology type change from shorter “swimmer cells” to elongated “swarmer cells”.

Proteus spp. rods are typical opportunistic pathogens, relatively infectious and contribute to the infections mostly in immunocompromised patients. Those infections are usually long-term and difficult to cure (Drzewiecka and Sidorczyk, 2005).

Urinary tract infections (UTI) (Rózalski et al., 2007) belong to one of the main Proteus spp. rods infections manifestation. They can be found usually amongst patients with anatomical and/or physiological malformations in the urinary tract but can also afflict patients with long-term or repeating catheterization or after surgical procedures (Drzewiecka and Sidorczyk, 2005). Proteus spp. rods may also contribute to respiratory tract and wounds infection, including burn ones, but also to other infections, e.g. digestive tract, throat, bones, eyes, ears, nose, skin infection and arthritis or meningitis. Proteus spp. rods have been also isolated from the blood cultures. Over 60% of the infections caused by Proteus spp. afflict hospitalized patients, with 5% cases of the nosocomial bacteraemia linked with P. mirabilis (Drzewiecka and Sidorczyk, 2005; Rózalski et al., 2007; Dubiel et al., 2011).

An important virulence factor of these bacteria is the ability to form biofilm. In which different fractions of microorganism play specialized roles. The biofilm structure preserves bacteria from unfavourable influence of the environment conditions and facilitates distribution of the nutritional agents (Kolwzan, 2011). Biofilm protects bacteria from immune system response of the host (hinders phagocytosis, chemotaxis, opsonisation), decreases antibiotics and antibodies penetration (Bartoszewicz and Rygiel, 2006).

Biofilm forming process consists of initial reversible bacterial adhesion to a surface, irreversible attachment, microcolony formation, maturation and detachment (Kolwzan, 2011; O’Toole et al., 2000). The mature biofilm is multilayer with free bacteria on the surface that can come off the biofilm structure and move in order to find favourable environment conditions (Rózalski et al., 2007).

The typical property of the biofilm-submerged bacteria is approximately 1000-fold increased resistance to a majority of the antimicrobials, when compared to planktonic counterparts. Biofilm formed on the abiotic surfaces is believed to be major cause of 65% of the nosocomial infections (Czaczyk and Myszka, 2007).

P. mirabilis rods display ability to form biofilm in different environments, including abiotic (e.g. polystyrene, glass, latex, silicone) and biological surfaces. It was also confirmed that the biofilm can consist of single-species or multi-genera bacteria community (Jacobsen and Shirtliff, 2011).

P. mirabilis rods develop two types of biofilm, depending on the culture medium. In Luria-Bertanii bullion and human urine biofilm has a typical fungal biofilm-like structure with nutritional channels while in the artificial urine it is formed as a flat layer with swarmer cells” population protruding the structure surface (Jones et al., 2007).

The most widely investigated P. mirabilis biofilms are those in the urinary tract, particularly on the catheters surface. The important issues are the crystalized biofilms that lead to catheter incrustation and obstruction. Two main types of crystals may be found inside them: struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and apatite (hydroxyl calcium phosphate). They appear in the urinary tract biofilms and block the urine flow (Jacobsen and Shirtliff, 2011). It may cause urine blockage in the bladder, bacteriuria episodes, fever, sepsis and shock (Jones et al., 2007).

The aim of this work was the evaluation and comparison of the usefulness of selected qualitative and quantitative colorimetric methods to estimate of P. mirabilis biofilm forming abilities.

Materials and Methods

Strains origin and identification

Thirty nine P. mirabilis strains were used in this study. They were isolated from urine derived from the patients treated between 2011 and 2012 in the clinics of the Dr Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz. Nineteen (48.7%) strains were isolated from urine collected from catheterized while 20 (51.3%) strains from the urine of non-catheterized patients. The majority of the P. mirabilis strains was derived from the specimens of the patients treated in the Rehabilitation (9; 23.0%) and General and Endocrinology Surgery 5 (12.8%) Clinics (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Origin of the examined P. mirabilis strains (n = 39). Other: Palliative Care Unit, Endocrinology and Diabetology Clinic, Stroke Unit, Rehabilitation in Orthopedics.

Identification of the strains was conducted using one of the following tests: API 20E/ID32E (BioMérieux) or VITEK GN cards (BioMérieux) according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. Strains were stored in a brain-heart infusion (Becton Dickinson) with 20.0% glycerol (POCH) at −70 °C.

Quantitative evaluation of biofilm formation

Biofilm was formed in the wells of the 96-wells polystyrene titer plates and investigated with two quantitative methods. Absorbance values of two dyes: crystal violet (CV; POCH) and formazan (product of the 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride dissolution, TTC; POCH) were investigated at the same time. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P (very strongly biofilm forming strain) and E. coli ATCC 35218 (weakly biofilm forming strain) reference strains served as controls.

The examined strains of P. mirabilis were plated on the cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient medium (CLED; Becton Dickinson) while the reference strains on 5.0% sheep blood agar (Becton Dickinson). Strains were cultured at 37 °C for 18 h. Next, the single colonies were inoculated into tryptic soy bullion (Bio-Rad). After 18 h at 37 °C, each culture was centrifuged for 15 min at 4000 rpm, and the supernatant was discarded. The remaining pellet was rinsed with 3 mL of phosphate buffered saline solution (pH = 7.2) (PBS; POCH). Next, the bacterial suspension was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 min and the pellet was used to make the suspension of 0.5 MacFarland turbidity in TSB. Then, 20 μL of every suspension was placed in the wells of polystyrene 96-well plate, in four repetitions each. The wells were filled with 180 μL of a sterile TSB medium. A sterility control was made of 200 μL TSB medium in at least four repetitions. The culture was incubated in a humid chamber at 37 °C for 24 h.

CV-based assay

After 24- incubation, the solutions were removed, the wells rinsed with sterile distilled water and left to dry at 37 °C for 20 min. Next, 200 μL of methanol (POCH) were added to each well. The plates were placed onto a shaker at 400 rpm for 20 min at room temperature. Then, the methanol was removed and the plates left to dry at 37 °C for 20 min. In the next step, 200 μL of 0.1% CV were added to each well and the plates were placed on a shaker at 400 rpm for 10 min at room temperature. Next, the CV was removed by rinsing the wells with water thoroughly until the control wells became colorless. The plates were left for 20 min at 37 °C for the water to evaporate. Finally, 200 μL of methanol were added to each well and left on a shaker for 5 min at 400 rpm and room temperature.

TTC-based assay

After 24-h incubation, the solutions were removed and the wells rinsed tree times with sterile PBS. Next, 100 μL of TSB and 100 μL of 0.1% TTC were added to each well. The plates were placed on a shaker at 400 rpm for 5 min at room temperature. Next, the plates were placed in 37 °C. After 2-h incubation, the TTC was removed and plates were rinsed tree times with sterile PBS. Finally, 200 μL of methanol were added to each well and left on a shaker at 400 rpm for 5 min at room temperature.

Absorbance measurement

Absorbance (A) read-outs were conducted with a spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 570 and 470 nm for CV and TTC, respectively using KC4 v3.4 and KC4 Signature programs. To assess biofilm forming for each strain and negative control, the arithmetic mean of absorbance and standard deviation were used. The threshold value of absorbance (T) was proof of the biofilm formation and was defined as the sum of the arithmetic mean of negative control and a triple value of its standard deviation (T = xnc + 3δ) (Table 1).

Table 1.

P. mirabilis strains biofilm forming intensity criteria with respect to the measured absorbance (A) value.

Absorbance value Biofilm intensity
A ≤ T Lack
T < A ≤ 2T Weak
2T < A ≤ 4T Moderate
4T < A ≤ 8T Strong
> 8T Very strong
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Qualitative methods for biofilm detection

Qualitative methods for biofilm detection were applied for biofilm evaluation on the polyvinyl chloride surface of the urinary catheter (Nelaton, Unomedical).

Single colonies of each of the examined strains from the bacteria cultures on CLED and 5.0% sheep blood medium (control strains) were inoculated into 2 mL TSB. 1-cm long sterile catheter fragments were added to the suspensions and incubated for 22 h at 37 °C for TTC or 24 h for CV assay.

For the TTC dissolution intensity 20 μL of 0.5% TTC were added to the wells with 22-h cultures and additionally incubated for two hours at 37 °C. Next, the catheter fragments were rinsed three times in PBS and biofilm formation was estimated visually in terms of the obtained colour intensity (Figure 2A).

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Criteria of the biofilm formation ability evaluation established for qualitative TTC- (A) and CV-based (B) method.

For the CV assay the biomaterial fragments, previously incubated and covered with 24-h biofilm, were moved to Petri dishes filled with CV. After 5 min of staining, biomaterial were washed with water and visually evaluated in terms of biofilm forming intensity (Figure 2B).

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was conducted using the StatSoft Inc. (2011) STATISTICA 10.0 program (data analysis software system) and Microsoft Office Excel 2007 with differences at p ≤ 0.05 considered as statistically significant. The obtained results normality was evaluated with Shapiro-Wilk test. Non-parametric Wilcoxon test was applied to compare differences obtained for the same strains while the comparison of the differences in the results observed between groups was evaluated with chi2 and U Mann-Whitney’s tests.

Results

Quantitative evaluation of biofilm formation

CV assay results revealed ability of all of the strains tested to form biofilm, while in the TTC assay - 36 (92.3%) of the strains studied (Table 2). Three of the strains that did not form biofilm while quantitative results interpretation was applied, were confirmed as moderate and strong biofilm producers - 1 (2.6%) and 2 (5.1%), respectively when qualitative evaluation was done.

Table 2.

P. mirabilis strains biofilm forming intensity evaluation with respect to the applied quantitative methods.

TTC-based assay
CV-based assay Total Lack Weak Moderate Strong Very strong
Total 39 3 5 7 10 14
Lack 0 0 0 0 0 0
Weak 3 0 0 1 1 1
Moderate 27 2 5 4 7 9
Strong 8 0 0 2 2 4
Very strong 1 1 0 0 0 0
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CV - crystal violet.

TTC - 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride.

Higher percentage (35.9%) of the strains with the ability to form biofilm very strongly was noted for quantitative interpretation of the TTC assay was applied when compared to the CV assay (2.5%). The results obtained using CV indicated the highest percentage (69.0%) of the P. mirabilis strains with ability to form biofilm moderately (Table 2).

Statistically important difference (p = 0.0003) was observed in P. mirabilis biofilm formation intensity evaluated by two independent quantitative methods.

Qualitative evaluation of biofilm formation

Applying qualitative methods for interpretation of P. mirabilis ability to form biofilm in vitro, all of the examined strains were interpreted as biofilm producers. Higher percentage (64.1%) of the strains interpreted as strong biofilm producers was obtained applying TTC method. Using CV assay predominantly, moderate ability to form biofilm was detected (48.7%). Amongst the strains interpreted as strong biofilm producers using TTC assay, 7 were confirmed as weak biofilm producer when CV assay was applied (Table 3).

Table 3.

P. mirabilis strains biofilm forming intensity comparison, evaluated on the polyvinyl chloride surface, with respect to the applied qualitative method.

TTC-based assay
CV-based assay Total Lack Weak Moderate Strong
Total 39 0 2 12 25
Lack 0 0 0 0 0
Weak 9 0 0 2 7
Moderate 19 0 2 8 9
Strong 11 0 0 2 9
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CV - crystal violet.

TTC - 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride.

Statistically significant difference (p = 0.0022) was observed in P. mirabilis biofilm formation intensity evaluation by two independent qualitative methods.

Relation between the results of the qualitative and quantitative methods applied

Applying TTC assay only qualitative interpretation revealed the ability to form biofilm by all examined P. mirabilis strains and domination of the isolates with strong biofilm forming ability (64.1%) (Table 4). Meanwhile, in the quantitative method P. mirabilis strains with very strong biofilm forming ability accounted for 35.9% of the all tested strains (Table 4).

Table 4.

P. mirabilis strains biofilm forming intensity comparison, obtained with quantitative and qualitative TTC-based method.

Quantitative TTC-based metod
Qualitative TTC-based method Total Lack Weak Moderate Strong Very strong
Total 39 3 5 7 10 14
Lack 0 0 0 0 0 0
Weak 2 0 0 0 2 0
Moderate 12 1 1 2 1 7
Strong 25 2 4 5 7 7
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TTC - 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride.

Using both evaluation methods types and CV assay, only one P. mirabilis strains (2.5%) was detected to form biofilm very strongly (Table 5) in quantitative estimation. Higher percentage (69.2%) of the strains in this case was classified as moderate biofilm producers. Applying qualitative method, moderate ability to form biofilm was detected amongst the highest percentage (48.7%) of the strains examined (Table 5).

Table 5.

P. mirabilis strains biofilm forming intensity comparison, obtained with quantitative and qualitative CV-based method.

Quantitative CV-based metod
Qualitative CV-based method Total Lack Weak Moderate Strong Very strong
Total 39 0 3 27 8 1
Lack 0 0 0 0 0 0
Weak 7 0 0 6 2 1
Moderate 19 0 2 13 4 0
Strong 11 0 1 8 2 0
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CV - crystal violet.

Comparison of the urine-derived P. mirabilis strains ability to form biofilm with respect to catheterization of the patients

Regardless of the applied quantitative or qualitative methods for the ability to form biofilm investigation by urine-derived P. mirabilis strains isolated from non- and catheterized patients none statistically significant differences were observed (p > 0.05) between patients groups (Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Comparison of the Proteus mirabilis strains ability to form biofilm with respect to isolation from the urine derived from the catheterized (n = 19) and non-catheterized (n = 20) patients and quantitative method applied.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Comparison of the Proteus mirabilis strains ability to form biofilm with respect to isolation from the urine derived from the catheterized (n = 19) and non-catheterized (n = 20) patients and qualitative method applied.

Discussion

Biofilm formation on the surfaces of material of medical devices is unquestionably critical therapeutic problem of the current medicine. This phenomenon for P. mirabilis is particularly common and linked to clinical complications due to crystalized biofilm type. Urinary tract catheterization facilitates bacteria growth in the favourable conditions of biofilm structure. Because of that, proper detection of bacteria ability to form biofilm seems to be crucial aspect of medical investigation.

Mahdavi et al. (2007) during the evaluation of different nisin concentration on biofilm forming by pathogenic Salmonella Enteritidis, S. aureus and Listeria monocytogenes bacteria concluded that CV-based method is a quick screening technique with high sensitivity. However, CV is suitable for biofilm structure size detection but not for its activity estimation. Korenová et al. (2008) evaluated biofilm developed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, S. aureus and E. coli strains derived from food processing factories in Slovakia. They recommend CV application for quantitative biofilm forming estimation, regardless of cells viability due to its ability to stain both, alive and death bacterial cells. It also indicates CV uselessness for biofilm activity evaluation, mentioned in Mahdavi et al. (2007) study. Korenová et al. (2008) results highlighted also CV-based method tendency to overrate biofilm formation level by bacterial strains producing extracellular polysaccharides as a disadvantage but on the other hand advantages of its high reproducibility due to application in many laboratories worldwide, low cost of the dye and rather common instruments for the results read-out. This technique belongs to one of the most popular (Ali, 2012; Balasubramanian et al., 2012; Esteban et al., 2010; Etemadifar and Emtiazi, 2008; Hassan et al., 2011; Khan et al., 2011; Wasfi et al., 2012) and is considered highly optimized. The quantitative method described by Christensen et al. (1985) is believed as gold standard amongst other biofilm detection methods.

On the contrary, quantitative method applying TTC is not so common. Except Mahdavi et al. (2007) it was used by Etemadifar and Emtiazi (2008) work for dehydrogenase activity evaluation for Rhodococcus spp. R1 derived from petrol-polluted soil.

Based on the results presented in the current study it is concluded that quantitative CV-based absorbance allows for detection of higher percentage of biofilm-forming strains (100%) when compared to TTC-based counterpart - 36 (92.3%) strains. The discrepancies observed in biofilm formation intensity in the study presented might be due to differences in procedures applied. In the available literature there is a lack of information on simultaneous evaluation of biofilm formation by the same group of P.mirabilis strains and applying TTC- and CV-based absorbance. In the study presented, additional urine-derived P. mirabilis strains ability to form biofilm on the surface of Nelaton catheter fragments was also detected in vitro by applying two simultaneous visual qualitative methods with TTC and CV. The first one was initially introduced by Richards and described and modified by Rózalska et al. (1998). The principles of the method are the colourless TTC dissolution to insoluble formazan by living bacteria and its level evaluation. The red dye intensity on the biomaterial fragments refers to bacterial number and the differences in staining are characteristic for particular strains. Based on that, three levels of TTC reduction were indicated: weak, moderate and strong. All the examined P. mirabilis strains displayed ability to form biofilm on the surface of Nelaton catheter, consisting of polyvinyl chloride. Similarly to the results obtained by Rózalska et el. (1998), usefulness of the method was indicated in the current study, mostly due to its technical shortness and high sensitivity. In the Reslinski et al. (2008) study coloured TTC metabolism product was observed quickly, after 40 min on the surface of surgical mesh while in vivo biofilm forming by Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains was detected. Rózalska et al. (1998) highlight that TTC reduction effect appears as shortly as after 1-h incubation and increases with time. Moreover, Reslinski et al. (2010) indicate also sensitivity of TTC reduction-based method, exceeding classic culture methods. It allows for biofilm detection without necessity of its separation from the implant surface and bacteria detection on the biomaterial surface even when the bacteria number is below detectable level when cultured techniques are applied. Rózalska et al. (1998) and Reslinski et al. (2008) studies proved similar metabolism of TTC by the biomaterial-attaching bacterial cells, regardless of biomaterial type, shape and colour. It was also concluded that the formazan accumulation by bacteria does not influence further diagnostic steps. Additional aspect of the method is its doubtless simplicity to perform. Similarly, in the results of the current study none red staining of the sterile biomaterial fragments submerged in TTC-supplemented medium was observed. The results obtained by Rózalska et al. (1998) and Wolska and Jakubczak (2003) as well as results of the study presented confirm the usefulness of the applied method for biofilm formation estimation on the surfaces of biomaterials. According to Reslinski et al. (2010) study results, sensitivity of the visual method applying TTC may decrease number of false negative results in biofilm detection. It was confirmed in the results of the current study. Theability of all examined P. mirabilis strains to form biofilm directly on the surface of Nelaton catheter fragments was confirmed. On the contrary to quantitative method with TTC- biofilm formation ability was observed for 92.3% of the strains tested, and additionally needed for earlier bacterial strains culture. On the other hand, its interpretation depends on visual observation and the possible differences or mistakes result from subjectivity of the researcher. Apart from the studies mentioned above, it was also applied by us in the previous work by Kwiecinska-Piróg et al. (2011) and by Bartoszewicz and Secewicz (2008) for biofilm detection on the surface of urinary catheters.

CV-based method for biofilm forming detection with visual interpretation is significantly less common. The results of the present study, confirming ability of all of the examined bacterial strains to form biofilm, are consistent with those obtained when Richards’ method was applied. The highest percentage (48.7%) of the tested strains was classified as moderate biofilm producers. In the Ali (2012) work biofilm formation by the incrustated urinary catheters-derived P. mirabilis strains was evaluated with both, qualitative and quantitative methods with CV. It was concluded that P. mirabilis strains display high ability to form biofilm on the urinary catheters as well as in the 96-wells of the polystyrene titter plates (Ali, 2012).

In the study presented, P. mirabilis ability to form biofilm in vitro was confirmed for urine isolates derived from catheterized patients as well as physiologically obtained samples. In the Stickler et al. (2006) study of biofilm formation 20 long-term catheterized patients-derived urine samples served as material for bacterial isolation. P. mirabilis rods infection was confirmed for 15 patients. The catheters that the P. mirabilis strains were isolated from, displayed incrustation and urine flow blockage. Also other authors (Ali, 2012; Balasubramanian et al., 2012) evaluated in vitro P. mirabilis biofilm formation by the strains isolated from the urine of the catheterized patients. In all of them P. mirabilis biofilm was observed and accompanied bycatheter incrustation and obstruction.

In the available literature none information on simultaneous studies on detection of biofilm formed by P. mirabilis strains derived from non- and catheterized patients has been found. In the study of Abdallah et al. (2011), 43.3% of the uropathogenic strains of e.g. E. coli, Klebsiella spp., S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci derived from the urine of the catheterized patients displayed ability to form biofilm while for non-catheterized patients’ urine-isolated strains e.g. Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. the corresponding value was 30%. The comparable results of the biofilm formation were also obtained by Watts et al. (2010) while E. coli isolates derived from non- and catheterized patients urine samples were investigated. In both (Abdallah et al., 2011; Watts et al., 2010) studies mentioned above none statistically significant differences in the obtained results were found in terms of patients catheterization groups. The results of the present study are in concordance with them.

To summarize, P. mirabilis strains generally display ability to form biofilm. Its intensity depends on particular strain properties and the accuracy of the detection method applied. Quantitative method with 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) allows for wider discrimination of the strains in terms of biofilm intensity when compared to quantitative crystal violet-based (CV) assay. Applying qualitative method with 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (TTC), higher percentage of the examined strains is classified as strong biofilm producers when compared to crystal violet (CV) the assay. Proteus mirabilis strains isolated from the urine derived from non- and catheterized patients form biofilm at the comparable level.

Acknowledgments

This research was financially supported by the Nicolaus Copernicus University with funds from the maintenance of the research potential of the Department of Microbiology DS-UPB no. 933.

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