Abstract
Background: Streptococcus, including Streptococcus pyogenes, causes infections from mild to severe. Understanding biofilm formation and virulence is crucial due to high mortality. This study aims to assess the biofilm production capabilities of different Streptococcus species isolated from patients with suspected pharyngitis. Specifically, it examines the correlation between biofilm formation and the bacterial virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes.
Methods: A total of 100 throat swabs were collected and cultured on selective media, specifically 5% defibrinated sheep blood agar and azide blood agar. Identification of isolates was achieved using the Vitek2 System and confirmed through 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing, utilizing specific primers. The nucleotide sequences were compared to reference databases to ensure accurate identification. Biofilm production was evaluated using the Congo Red Agar method and the Microtiter Plate Test, categorizing isolates based on their production capacity.
Results: The results revealed a high bacterial growth rate of 89.0%, with Streptococcus pyogenes being the most prevalent isolate (28.6%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus viridans. Significant variations in biofilm production were observed, with Streptococcus pyogenes exhibiting a strong correlation with significant biofilm formation, suggesting its potential enhanced virulence and increased resistance to treatments.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical role of biofilm formation in the virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes and underscore the need for integrating biochemical, molecular, and phenotypic methods for accurate bacterial identification and understanding of their pathogenic mechanisms. The use of molecular methods such as 16S rRNA sequencing provides a robust framework for the identification and characterization of these pathogens, contributing essential insights into the clinical implications of bacterial biofilm formation and informing improved management strategies against Streptococcus-related infections.
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References
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