Biomedical Research

Background and objectives: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is one of the pathogenic bacteria originated from water and is released through water. This study was conducted with the aim of isolating Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from water and water tap in the environment and investigating the existence of rpfF gene and its relation with biofilm formation, motility and the extracellular enzymes of bacteria.

Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was done on 150 samples of water and 100 samples of water tap in the environment. First, samples were identified through cultivation and molecular method. Existence of rpfF gene of isolates was investigated by PCR method. Formation of biofilm by microplate method and staining crystal violet was investigated. Swimming, swarming and twitching motilities of bacteria and also production of extracellular enzymes of isolates were investigated. In order to find out the relationship between rpfF gene and biofilm formation, motility and production of Extracellular enzymes, Pearson’s statistical analysis was used.

Results: The rate of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolation was 1.2%. 100% of isolates included rpfF gene. 100% of isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were able to move and form biofilm. Enzymes such as gelatinase, lecithinase and protease were included in 100% of isolates and hyaluronidase, lipase and hemolysin of them are included in 66.66% of isolates.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggested the existence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacterium in water and water tap. Also, there was a significant relationship between the existence of rpfF gene and biofilm formation and extracellular enzymes and positive relationship with motility of bacteria.

Author(s): Rabeeh Izadi Amoli, Jamileh Nowroozi, Azar Sabokbar, Sadegh Fattahi, Galia Amirbozorgi
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