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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
12:33
Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
Published on: July 6, 2016
Gonococcal cervicitis: a role for biofilm in pathogenesis
Christopher T Steichen1, Jian Q Shao, Margaret R Ketterer
1Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|November 1, 2008
Summary
Neisseria gonorrhoeae forms biofilms using bacterial membrane networks, crucial for cervical infections. This biofilm structure may explain persistent infections and antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant human pathogen causing sexually transmitted infections.
- Biofilm formation is a known virulence factor for many bacteria, contributing to persistent infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural characteristics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae biofilms in vitro and in vivo.
- To determine the role of bacterial membrane networks and blebbing in Neisseria gonorrhoeae biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine biofilms formed on glass coverslips and primary cervical epithelial cells.
- Cervical biopsy specimens from infected patients were analyzed for biofilm evidence.
- A Neisseria gonorrhoeae mutant with reduced blebbing (strain 1291-msbB) was studied for its biofilm-forming capacity.
Main Results:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae biofilms exhibit networks of bacterial membranes, observed in vitro and in clinical biopsy specimens.
- A mutant with decreased blebbing ability formed significantly less biofilm, indicating the importance of this process.
- Complementation of the mutant restored wild-type biofilm formation.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial membrane networks are a key structural component of Neisseria gonorrhoeae biofilms.
- Biofilm formation, potentially mediated by membrane networks, may contribute to asymptomatic infections, persistence, and increased antibiotic resistance of N. gonorrhoeae in the cervix.
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