Significance of the rdar and bdar morphotypes in the hydrophobicity and attachment to abiotic surfaces of Salmonella Sofia and other poultry-associated Salmonella serovars

Aims: To investigate the relative role of the red dry and rough (rdar) and brown dry and rough (bdar) morphotypes on hydrophobicity and ability to attach to abiotic surfaces of poultry-associated Salmonella strains with a focus on S. Sofia. Methods and Results: Cellulose synthase gene null mutants w...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chia, T., McMeekin, T., Fegan, N., Dykes, Gary
Format: Journal Article
Published: 2011
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/26310
Description
Summary:Aims: To investigate the relative role of the red dry and rough (rdar) and brown dry and rough (bdar) morphotypes on hydrophobicity and ability to attach to abiotic surfaces of poultry-associated Salmonella strains with a focus on S. Sofia. Methods and Results: Cellulose synthase gene null mutants were constructed in five Salmonella strains converting them from rdar to bdar morphotypes. One S. Sofia null mutant displayed reduced hydrophobicity and attachment to TeflonĀ® relative to its parent strain. The S. Virchow and S. Infantis null mutants attached less well to glass relative to their parent strains. Conclusions: The rdar or bdar morphotype may influence S. Sofia persistence but did not explain why bdar strains predominate in this serotype. Significance and Impact of the Study: This work provides some insight into why some Salmonella strains survive in poultry environments and may ultimately contribute to their control.