Resuscitation of bacterial biofilm by sunlight: effects on different enteropathogenic bacteria

Abstract

It is an established fact that most bacteria go through motile and sessile form during its lifetime. This transition has significant roles in seasonal outbreaks of certain bacterial diseases and bacterial pathogenesis. There are many factors that influence the making and breaking of biofilms. Breakage of biofilms gives rise to more planktonic bacteria in the waters. This resuscitation makes the bacteria more capable to infect. In this study we investigated if sunlight has any effect on breaking biofilms of seasonal disease causing bacteria. Biofilms of several strains of bacteria that significantly cause disease during March to July in the tropical zones were subjected to sunlight exposure in different manners. The results indicated that exposure in sunlight significantly break down the biofilms of all the bacteria. This could be one of the reasons for the seasonal epidemics. Because breakage of biofilms give rise to more planktonic bacteria in the waters. This resuscitation makes the bacteria more capable to infect. However, to reach any conclusion, round the year study including more samples is required.