Surface attachment of a sediment isolate ofEnterobacter cloacae

Abstract

Enterobacter cloacae was recovered from surface sediments of a flood control channel in an area where freshwater runoff mixed with coastal seawater. Cells of this bacterium elaborated an extensive capsule when cultured under laboratory conditions designed to promote extracellular polysaccharide production. Colonization of glass surfaces by cells was similar under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Temperature exerted little effect on maximum adherent cell density in the range of 15–25°C. The availability of organic nutrients also had little influence on the tendency of cells to adhere to surfaces. Maximum adherent cell densities decreased (76%) as salinity increased from 0 to 12‰ The results suggest that cells ofE. cloacae are suitably adapted to maintain a sessile existence in brackish water sediments of temperate coastal areas.