Potential of a lytic bacteriophage to disrupt Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms in vitro.

AIM: The ability of Acinetobacter baumannii to form biofilms and develop antibiotic resistance makes it difficult to control infections caused by this bacterium. In this study, we explored the potential of a lytic bacteriophage to disrupt A. baumannii biofilms.

MATERIALS & METHODS: The potential of the lytic bacteriophage to disrupt A. baumannii biofilms was assessed by performing electron microscopy, live/dead bacterial staining, crystal violet staining and by determining adenosine triphosphate release.

RESULTS: The bacteriophage inhibited the formation of and disrupted preformed A. baumannii biofilms. Results of disinfection assay showed that the lytic bacteriophage lysed A. baumannii cells suspended in blood or grown on metal surfaces.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest the potential of the lytic bacteriophage to disrupt A. baumannii biofilms.