therefore a mosaic of micro-niches containing different species but also different phenotypes of the same bacterial species. The cohesion of this microbial community relies on synergistic interactions and homeostatic mechanisms. The complexity of biofilm structure and metabolism has led to the analogy of biofilms to tissues of higher organisms ( eukaryotes), highlighting their remarkable evolutionary importance. Bacteria in a biofilm can be 1,000 times more resistant than individual bacteria. They acquire increased resistance to antimicrobial agents in two main ways:
1. Physico-chemical resistance One mechanism of biofilm resistance to antimicrobial agents is the failure of an agent to penetrate the full depth of the biofilm. Polymeric substances like those that make up the matrix of a biofilm are well known to retard the diffusion of antibiotics or disinfectants.
2. Extra-chromosomal resistance Bacterial resistance to disinfectants is higher when bacteria are in biofilms, due to the acquisition of specific resistance genes carried by plasmids (circular periplasmic chromo- somes). In a biofilm, the plasmids are transferable between bacteria by intercellular bridges. Thus, the acquired resistance can be quickly spread to all bacterial species via horizontal transfer. Numerous bacterial species and genera that cause infec- tions in animals, and which may or may not have zoonotic potential, can form biofilms. Some examples are: • Salmonella • Campylobacter
• Escherichia coli • Pseudomonas • Staphylococcus • Streptococcus.
Biofilms increase infectious pressure and bacterial resistance to antibiotics, disinfectants and the immune response of the host. In animal husbandry, contamination of surfaces, air con- ditioning, ventilation and water distribution system with bio- films is a huge problem. But several of these bacterial species also have an impact downstream in food industries because of their ability to cause infections or food poisoning in humans. Biofilms are therefore a constant threat to biosecurity be- cause of their ability to diffuse into the environment and col- onise all kinds of media. Their resistance to extreme condi- tions, including disinfection procedures, only makes matters worse. Trying to disinfect without breaking biofilms is useless, and the best and most economical way to break the biofilm is to use detergents. Before the disinfection step, it is imperative to carry out a cleaning step with a detergent to dissolve and eliminate both the visible organic deposits and most of the EPS of the biofilm. Adherence to this procedure and to general biosecurity man- agement rules guarantees increased effectiveness of the dis- infectant and suitable decreasing contamination of the sur- faces before placing a new flock or herd in the building. Huvepharma, through its expertise in biosecurity and animal health, provides a range of detergents and disinfectants to eliminate biofilms.
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27 May 2021 ALL ABOUT FEED DAIRY GLOBAL PIG PROGRESS POULTRY WORLD ▶ PIG PROGRESS | Volume 37, No. 3, 2021 15
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