Biofilm-forming ability of mucosa-associated Escherichia coli isolates from colorectal cancer patients and control subjects

Background and Aim : Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common incident cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in the world. The results of recent studies have shown that bacterial biofilms are associated with CRC. The aim of this study was to compare the biofilm-forming ability of mucosa-associated Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains from CRC patients and non-cancerous patients.Methods : Between June ۲۰۱۹ and June ۲۰۲۰, a total of ۸۰ colonic mucosa-associated E.coli isolates, ۴۰ from CRC patients and ۴۰ from control subjects were collected from two Educational-Health Care Centers of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Northwest Iran. In vitro biofilm formation by these isolates was determined using a microtiter plate assay.Results : Around ۳۷.۵% of E. coli isolates from CRC patients were able to form biofilms, compared to ۱۵% of the isolates from the control group (p < ۰.۰۵). Among the biofilm producing isolates from the control subjects, all isolates were weak biofilm producers. Amongst CRC isolates ۴۰% were strong and moderate biofilm producers, and ۶۰% were weak biofilm producers.Conclusion : Biofilm-producing mucosa-associated E. coli isolates may play a role in the pathogenesis of CRC.

Keywords:

E. coli , Colorectal cancer , Biofilm