The trimeric autotransporter adhesin BadA is required for in vitro biofilm formation by Bartonella henselae

Scanning electron micrograph showing adherence and biomass accumulation of the wild type parental Bh Houston strain. Bh growth from 8？h a, through 72？h d. On Day 1, cells first attach a (8？h), before aggregation and production of micro-colonies (24？h) b. The aggregates undergo tremendous growth at 48？h c and begin to produce a biofilm within 72？h d. Bacterial EPS was preserved by the addition of Alcian blue to the fixative. Scale bar:？20？μm, insert scale bar: 3？μ