Effect of Trans-Cinnamaldehyde on preformed biofilm and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli isolated from urine specimens

Abstract

acteria in most environments exist as structured communities of sessile cells embedded in a self-produced polymeric matrix known as biofilms. They are responsible for more than 80% of hospital-acquired and community acquired infections. Biofilm formation is considered as a bacterial virulence factor. It’s extremely difficult to be eradicated, since they are shielded from the host defense mechanisms as phagocytes and antibodies, as well as antibiotics. Indwelling urinary catheters for bladder drainage in humans become encrusted with E. coli biofilms that are resistant to common antibiotics, resulting in chronic infections. Searching for alternative approaches for prevention and eradication of biofilm associated infections are therefore urgently needed. This study aimed to test the effect of transcinnmaldhyde (TC), a major constituent of cinnamon essential oils, against biofilm formation/inactivation of the preformed one by different E.coli isolates to be used as an alternative or adjuvant to antibiotics. Thirty isolates of E.coli were obtained from 100 urine samples from catheterized and un-catheterized patients admitted to urology department of Ain Shams University EL-Demerdash hospital and suffered from UTI.