Environmental signals affecting ica-expression in Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms

PhD ceremony: Ms. T. Nuryastuti, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Thesis: Environmental signals affecting ica-expression in Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms

Promotor(s): prof. H.C. van der Mei, prof. H.J. Busscher

Faculty: Medical Sciences

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a nosocomial pathogen, associated with infections of indwelling medical devices. The ability to adhere and form biofilms on biomaterial surfaces contributes to its virulence. Biofilm formation of S. epidermidis is influenced by the presence of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin, synthesized by proteins encoded in the icaADBC operon. The main aim of this thesis was to investigate the regulation of icaADBC gene expression during biofilm formation of clinical S. epidermidis isolates on different biomaterials and how environmental signals affect this regulation.