Increased production of biofilms by Escherichia coli in the presence of enrofloxacin.

The literature has demonstrated that subinhibitory concentrations of some antimicrobials are able to induce biofilm formation by certain bacterial species. Biofilms present in the mammary glands of cattle contribute to antimicrobial resistance, resulting in the appearance of persistent mastitis and consequent great losses to the dairy sector worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the induction of biofilm formation by enrofloxacin in Escherichia coli isolates obtained from bovine mastitis.