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Cleaver L, Garnett JA. How to study biofilms: technological advancements in clinical biofilm research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1335389. [PMID: 38156318 PMCID: PMC10753778 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1335389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is an important survival strategy commonly used by bacteria and fungi, which are embedded in a protective extracellular matrix of organic polymers. They are ubiquitous in nature, including humans and other animals, and they can be surface- and non-surface-associated, making them capable of growing in and on many different parts of the body. Biofilms are also complex, forming polymicrobial communities that are difficult to eradicate due to their unique growth dynamics, and clinical infections associated with biofilms are a huge burden in the healthcare setting, as they are often difficult to diagnose and to treat. Our understanding of biofilm formation and development is a fast-paced and important research focus. This review aims to describe the advancements in clinical biofilm research, including both in vitro and in vivo biofilm models, imaging techniques and techniques to analyse the biological functions of the biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Cleaver
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Garnett
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ramage G, Borghi E, Rodrigues CF, Kean R, Williams C, Lopez-Ribot J. Our current clinical understanding of Candida biofilms: where are we two decades on? APMIS 2023; 131:636-653. [PMID: 36932821 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Clinically we have been aware of the concept of Candida biofilms for many decades, though perhaps without the formal designation. Just over 20 years ago the subject emerged on the back of progress made from the bacterial biofilms, and academic progress pace has continued to mirror the bacterial biofilm community, albeit at a decreased volume. It is apparent that Candida species have a considerable capacity to colonize surfaces and interfaces and form tenacious biofilm structures, either alone or in mixed species communities. From the oral cavity, to the respiratory and genitourinary tracts, wounds, or in and around a plethora of biomedical devices, the scope of these infections is vast. These are highly tolerant to antifungal therapies that has a measurable impact on clinical management. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overight of our current clinical understanding of where these biofilms cause infections, and we discuss existing and emerging antifungal therapies and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Ramage
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Medical School, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Célia Fortuna Rodrigues
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- LEPABE-Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Ryan Kean
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig Williams
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- Microbiology Department, Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, Lancaster, UK
| | - Jose Lopez-Ribot
- Department of Biology and the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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