Research Areas

The study of biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus

The choice of Staphylococcus aureus as the model bacteria for the study of the biofilm formation process in gram-positive bacteria is justified by the enormous importance this microorganism has as a pathogen both in humans and in animals.

In animal health S. aureus is one of the principal agents responsible for the infection of mammary glands in ruminants (mastitis) resulting in enormous losses of milk production in dairy farming.

In human health S. aureus is a very versatile pathogen capable of producing infections as varied as: food poisoning, dermatitis, abscesses, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic shock and nosocomial infections frequently associated with the use of medical implants.

Due to the dual aspect of both human and animal pathogens, we are carrying out the study of the formation of the bacteria's biofilm in animals, using strains of bacteria from bovine mastitis, in tandem with the study of strains of the bacteria that affect human health.

Our objective is to identify the components of the biofilm matrix, the genes that regulate its synthesis and decay, as well as the influence the formation of the biofilm has on the virulence of this bacteria. We are also attempting to develop a vaccine for animals, especially ruminants.

The study of biofilm formation by Salmonella

The species of the Salmonella genus include Gram-negative bacilli that belong to the enterobacteriaceae family.

Salmonellas infect many animal species without producing in them a clear symptomatic pathology.

The bacteria then often enter the food chain from contaminated animals or derivative products causing symptoms of gastro enteritis or enterocolitis.

The most realistic strategy of combating frequent outbreaks of the food poisoning produced by these bacteria is decreasing its presence in host animals.

During the study of biofilm formation by Salmonella enteritidis we have discovered that Salmonella, Escherichia coli and many other enterobacteriaceae produce cellulose as the main exopolysaccharide of the biofilm matrix and that the formation of biofilm is essential for the survival of the bacteria in the environment.

Our objectives in this line of research are: (i) to identify the components of the biofilm matrix and the genes that control its synthesis and decay; (ii) to determine the contribution that the formation of biofilm makes to the virulence of this bacteria and (iii) to develop a vaccine for animals (especially chickens and hens) which would lead to a major reduction in the presence of this bacteria in livestock farming.

In addition, by making use of our ability to genetically manipulate Salmonella we are using these bacteria as a model for the synthesis of cellulose which, it should be stressed, is the most abundant component of the biosphere.