Binary Biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus 209P and Kytococcus schroeteri H01: Dualistic Role of Kytococci and Cell Adhesion Alterations in the Presence of the A-Type Natriuretic Peptide.

Investigation of the interactions between Staphylococcus aureus 209P and Kytococcus schroeteri H01 in binary biofilms revealed the sensitivity of these bacteria to the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in a concentration of 6.5 × 10–10 M. In the presence of ANP, affinity of both bacteria to hexadecane decreased significantly, as was determined by MATS (microbial adhesion to solvents) experiments. Their ability to aggregate with each other and on the surface also altered in the presence of the hormone, affecting mainly the initial adhesion stage in biofilm formation. Plating of the binary communities revealed that they consisted mostly of staphylococci, while K. schroeteri constituted the minor part of the cell biomass. They, however, affected cell aggregation and the ANP effect on the community. K. schroeteri played a dualistic role, both facilitating S. aureus adhesion and acting as its antagonist in the biofilm. Moreover, in binary communities K. schroeteri was responsible for the shift of ANP action on S. aureus from neutral/stimulatory to inhibitory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]