Biofilm formation in field strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium: Identification of a new colony morphology type and the role of SGI1 in biofilm formation

In this study we examined the extent of biofilm formation in field strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), an important foodborne pathogen. Ninety-four field strains of S. Typhimurium were tested for their ability to form biofilm and components contributing to its formation. Most S. Typhimurium strains were highly capable of biofilm formation except for strains of phage type DT2 originating from pigeons. The most efficient biofilm forming strains were those of phage type DT104 positive for Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1). A comparison of SGI1 positive and negative strains indicated that the increased biofilm formation of SGI1 positive strains was associated with the presence of this genomic island. Finally, in five strains we found an alternative strategy of biofilm formation independent of curli fimbriae and cellulose production but solely dependent on an overproduction of capsular polysaccharide. Due to a mucoid and brown appearance on Congo Red agar we designated these strains as belonging to the SBAM (smooth brown and mucoid) morphotype.