A comparative analysis of the antibiofilm properties of crude blueberry extracts against MRSA and MSSA

Staphylococcus aureus is a known problem due to their vast array of virulence factors and growing antibiotic resistance, particularly so considering its capacity to adhere and survive in several surfaces (e.g. prosthetic devices). Taking this into account, a considerable effort has been employed in the search for new antimicrobial compounds that may help to prevent biofilm formation in surfaces, thus reducing the incidence of staphylococcal infections (Chambers 2001; Mann 2008; Rhode 2007). Vaccinium corymbosum, also known as highbush blueberry, is one of the several species that produce blueberries, fruits known as a good source of phenolics, compounds with a known health promoting activity (namely antimicrobial properties) (Riihinen et al., 2008). Given the recognized action of blueberry juice upon the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections, due to their capacity to hamper cellular adhesion (thought to be a consequence of both anthocyanidins and mannose analogs present in the blueberries) (Burdulis et al., 2009; Cowan, 1999), the present work aimed to characterize the antibiofilm properties of several blueberry fruit and leaf extracts against both Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).