Molecular genetic basis of biofilm formation as a component of Vibrio Cholerae persistence in water reservoirs of Russian Federation

Abstract

Background. The problem of cholera remains acute for world health service and risks of importation of Vibrio cholerae strains from endemic countries to Russia do exist. Toxigenic strains (carrying cholera toxin genes ctxAB) can cause epidemic outbreaks of cholera and non-toxigenic (ctxAB-) – single or multiple cases of cholera-like diarrhea. Investigation of their ability to survive in water reservoirs in climatic conditions of middle latitudes by means of forming biofilms is essential for potential threat evaluation. Materials and methods. Biofilm formation by 15 V. cholerae strains on abiotic surfaces was studied in microcosms with tap water and cover glasses. Identification of responsible genetic determinants in whole genome sequences and bioinformatics analysis were performed using BioEdit 7.2.5, BLASTN 2.2.29, Blastp and Vector NTI Advance 11 software. Results. The strains investigated differed in terms of biofilm formation which correlated with structural features of genes for MSHA pili (msh), matrix polysaccharides (vps) and proteins (rbm) as well as for certain regulatory factors. Strains with none or few genetic deviations from prototypes formed mature biofilms in 5-7 days while those containing truncated genes mshL, mshN, rbmC – only in 13 days. One strain with truncated gene for positive regulator vpsR formed an immature biofilm. Acceleration of the process in some strains up to 2-3 days correlated with either truncated gene hapR (negative regulator) or altered structure of both msh and vps-rbm gene clusters. Conclusion. Analysis of genetic determinants responsible for biofilm formation may be used for prediction of V. cholerae ability to survive in environmental objects of Russia and thus the potential danger of the latters as sources of infection.