Distinctive stages and strain variations of A. baumannii biofilm development under shear flow.

OBJECTIVE: To examine and characterise the process of Acinetocbacter baumannii biofilm development under shear flow. METHOD: Using an automated flow-cell system with microfluidic channels connected to an imaging system, I 0 clinical wound isolates of A. baumannii were examined for their ability to form biofilms under shear flow, on the glass surface of the flow through device. Flow biofilm development by this organism was observed to comprise four stages: attachment, microcolony formation, maturation with three dimensional structures, and dispersion. RESULTS: A. baumannii adheres readily to glass surfaces and quickly forms biofilm. Significant variations were observed among these I 0 clinical strains in their ability to attach and form flow biofilms. CONCLUSION: These specific characteristics in biofilm formation may contribute to this organism's ability to disseminate within health-care environments.