Lactic acid bacteria inhibit Salmonella Heidelberg biofilm formation on polystyrene surfaces

Abstract

Salmonella spp. are one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. Salmonella Heidelberg is an emergent pathogen associated with multidrug resistant outbreaks linked to poultry products. Its high persistence in the environment may be associated with its ability to adhere to different surfaces and to form biofilms. Owing to the increased antimicrobial resistance worldwide, researches have investigated the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as biological control of pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of LABs for the control of S. Heidelberg biofilms on polystyrene surfaces. The antibiofilm activity of nine LAB, all belonging to Lactobacillus genera, in the inhibition of biofilm produced by S. Heidelberg was evaluated in vitro. Biofilm formation occurred only when LAB1 (Lactobacillus salivaris) was used. All other treatments have demonstrated antibiofilm activity. However, LAB were not capable to reduce bacterial count. Our results show that LAB is capable to avoid or to delay biofilm formation by S. Heidelberg on polystyrene surface and may be used for in vivo studies as a potential alternative to help in the control of this pathogen in the food industry.