COMSTAT analysis of MGAS315 and MGAS315Δ<i>srv in vitro</i> static biofilms.

<p>Static biofilms were stained with a LIVE/DEAD reagent and imaged using CLSM for COMSTAT analysis. 12 individual fields of view were used for each strain from 12, 24 and 48h biofilms. (A) Total biomass of RGAS053 was significantly greater than RGAS0535Δ<i>srv</i> at all timepoints, and formed significantly thicker biofilms at 48 h. (B, C) Total biomass and average thickness were significantly increased in wild-type strains compared to Δ<i>srv</i> strains for both MGAS315 and MGAS5005, respectively. (**<i>p</i>≤.01, ***<i>p</i>≤0.001; unpaired t-test).