Enterobacteriaceae produttrici di biofilm isolate in matrici carnee

Enterobacteriaceae can persist in the environment and animal carcasses and they are able to form biofilms on surfaces. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the in vitro biofilm forming ability (BFA) and the pathogenic profile of 52 Enterobacteriaceae, isolated from fresh meat and meat products. 17.5% of the isolates resulted as E. coli (none VTEC). 82.5% belonged to other Enterobacteriaceae (E. cloacae, Hafnia alvei). 82.4% of the E. coli strains were positive for BFA (64.7% weak-, and 11.8% moderate-producers). None of the E. coli showed virulence genes. Two strains of Enterobacter cloacae were eae-positive. The results confirm the widespread dissemination of biofilm-forming Enterobacteriaceae, and the importance of preventing the presence of Enterobacteriaceae (Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Proteus spp.), frequently described as a primary cause of nosocomial infections.