Quorum sensing in Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus cereus strains isolated from ricotta processing

Author(s)

Meg da Silva Fernandes ^[1] ; Luciana Maria Ramires Esper ^[2] ; Dirce Yorika Kabuki ^[3] ; Arnaldo Yoshiteru Kuaye ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Dept Tecnol Alimentos, Rua Monteiro Lobato 80, Cidade Univ Zeferino Vaz, BR-13083862 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Fluminense, Dept Bromatol, Niteroi, RJ - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Dept Ciencia Alimentos, Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Ciência Rural; v. 48, n. 2 2018-02-08.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The quorum sensing phenomenon is a process of intra- and inter-species microbial communication involving the production and detection of extracellular signaling molecules. The autoinducer AI-2 has been proposed to serve as a ‘universal signal’ for interspecies communication. This study aimed to evaluate the capability of Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus strains isolated from ricotta processing to produce quorum sensing signalling molecules (AI-2). The strains were evaluated for the presence of the luxS gene using the polymerase chain reaction. AI-2 quorum sensing signalling molecules were measured in relative light units (RLUs) using a luminometer. A total of 74% of E. faecium, 91% of E. faecalis, and 95% of B. cereus isolates were positive for luxS gene. In addition, the induced bioluminescence in Vibrio harveyi BB170 was observed in all strains, indicating the presence of the AI-2 autoinducer. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/10507-7 - BIOFILM FORMATION, PATHOGENICITY AND QUORUM-SENSING IN STRAINS OF E. faecium AND E. faecalis ISOLATED IN PROCESSING OF RICOTTA.
• Grantee: Meg da Silva Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate