Relationship Between Antibiotic Resistance, Biofilm Formation, and Biofilm-Specific Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolates from Ningbo, China

PURPOSE: Several Escherichia coli pathotypes still constitute an important public health concern owing to its pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, biofilm formation of E. coli can allow the strains to interfere with host and antimicrobial eradication, thus conferring additional resistance. The association between the formation of biofilm and antimicrobial resistance determinants has been extensively exploited; nevertheless, there is still no definite conclusion. The purpose of this study was to provide additional data to augment the present knowledge about the subject. METHODS: Antibiotic resistance/susceptibility profiles of 81 isolates from pediatric individuals in China between 2011 and 2014 against 20 antibiotics were assessed using the VITEK 2 system. Biofilm-forming capacities were evaluated using the crystal violet staining method, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm compositions inside the biofilm formed by representative strains were assessed using CLSM. The effects of antibiotics on biofilms generated by E. coli strains of different biofilm-forming ability were examined using CLSM in combination with gatifloxacin. The relationships between antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and biofilm-specific resistance in E. coli isolates were investigated. RESULTS: The results showed that 23 isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant, and 57 isolates were classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Among the 69 isolates with the ability to form biofilms, 46 isolates were stronger biofilm formers. Correlation analysis demonstrated that strain populations exhibiting more robust biofilm formation likely contained larger proportions of XDR isolates. CONCLUSION: Together, our study implies that there was an association between biofilm-formation and resistance to several antibiotics for XDR-E. coli isolates, and would provide novel insights regarding the prevention and treatment against E. coli-related infections.