Abstract:

Aeromonas hydrophila is an emerging foodborne pathogen that causes infections more frequently in summer than in winter. This study evaluated the effects of temperature (4-37°C) on the biofilm formation and quorum sensing abilities of A. hydrophila on microtiter plates, stainless steel (SS), and crab surfaces. The incubation of the bacterium in Luria-Bertani broth at temperatures of 20-25°C significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the biofilm formation and intra-species quorum sensing ability (via C4-AHL and C6-AHL). Field-emission electron microscopy revealed that the bacterium colonized the surface of crab and formed biofilms at 25°C. Thus, the present study demonstrates that temperature control in food processing environments may reduce A. hydrophila biofilm formation. Therefore, the study has significant applications in food processing plants.

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