Lactic acid bacteria inhibit Salmonella Heidelberg biofilm formation on polystyrene surfaces

Abstract

Abstract Salmonella spp. is one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. Salmonella Heidelberg is an emergent pathogen associated with multidrug-resistant outbreaks linked to poultry products. Their high persistence in the environment may be associated with their ability to adhere to different surfaces and form biofilms. Owing to increased antimicrobial resistance worldwide, researchers have investigated the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a biological control against pathogenic microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of LAB to control the formation of S. Heidelberg biofilms on polystyrene surfaces. The antibiofilm activity of nine LAB strains, all belonging to Lactobacillus genera, related to the inhibition of biofilms produced by S. Heidelberg was evaluated in vitro. All treatments, except LAB1 (Lactobacillus salivaris), showed antibiofilm activity. However, LAB did not reduce bacterial counts. Our results show that LAB can avoid or delay biofilm formation by S. Heidelberg on polystyrene surfaces and may be used for in vivo studies as a potential alternative to help control this pathogen in food industries.