We studied the possibility of formation of mixed-species biofilms by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes with marine saprotrophic bacteria Flavobacterium sp. and Micrococcus luteus isolated from the coastal waters of the Sea of Japan in summer. Model experiments showed that Flavobacterium sp. and Micrococcus luteus can form both single- and mixed-species biofilms with the specified pathogenic bacteria thus stimulating their growth. This can contribute to the preservation of the pathogens in the marine environment.
Keywords: Listeria monocytogenes; Yersinia pseudotuberculosis; interspecific interaction; marine saprotrophic bacteria; mixed-species biofilm.