IN VITRO ANALYSIS OF VIRULENCE FACTORS WHICH ENHANCES PATHOGENIC POTENTIAL WITH AN EMPHASIS ON BIOFILM FORMATION IN BACTEROIDES FRAGILIS GROUP.

Bacteroidesfragilis group is the most frequently isolated pathogenic anaerobes with potent virulence determinants such as the ability to produce biofilm and presence of polysaccharides capsules which are responsible for the abscess formation. Enzymes such as beta- lactamase and neuraminidase are also implicated as virulence factors. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the virulence factors possessed by B fragilis group isolated from clinical samples. The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South Karnataka, India. A total of 72 strains isolated from various clinical samples were included in the study and tested for virulence factors and biofilm formation. Strains displaying encapsulation, beta-lactamase and neuraminidase enzymes were 75%, 77.7%, 69.4% respectively. Out of the 72 strains 73.6% were strong biofilm producers. In conclusion: The members of B fragilisgroup possess many virulence factors which may contribute towards its pathogenicity.