Biofilm Formation in Campylobacter concisus: The Role of the luxS Gene

Abstract

Campylobacter concisus is a bacterium that inhabits human oral cavities and is an emerging intestinal tract pathogen known to be a biofilm producer and one of the bacterial species found in dental plaque. In this study, biofilms of oral and intestinal C. concisus isolates were phenotypically characterized. The role of the luxS gene, which is linked to the regulation of biofilm formation in other pathogens, was assessed in relation to the pathogenic potential of this bacterium. Biofilm formation capacity was assessed using phenotypic assays. Oral strains were shown to be the highest producers. A luxS mutant was created by inserting a kanamycin cassette within the luxS gene of the highest biofilm-forming isolate. The loss of the polar flagellum was observed with scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Furthermore, the luxS mutant exhibited a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in biofilm formation, motility, and its expression of flaB, in addition to the capability to invade intestinal epithelial cells, compared to the parental strain. The study concluded that C. concisus oral isolates are significantly higher biofilm producers than the intestinal isolates and that LuxS plays a role in biofilm formation, invasion, and motility in this bacterium.