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Updated: May 1, 2026
Visualization of Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Using an Automated Microfluidic Device
Published on: December 14, 2017
Nonmammalian model systems to investigate fungal biofilms
Marios Arvanitis1, Beth Burgwyn Fuchs, Eleftherios Mylonakis
1Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Suite 301, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
Abstract:
Medical advances have resulted in an increase in the number of patients in immunocompromised states, vulnerable to infection, or individuals fitted with medical devices that form niches for microbial infections. These infections are difficult to treat and have significant morbidity and mortality rates. An important factor in the pathogenesis of fungal diseases is the development of biofilm-forming communities, enabling the invasion of host tissues and resistance to antimicrobial compounds. To investigate the genetic requirements for filamentation and seek compounds that inhibit the process, invertebrate hosts are employed as models of in vivo infection. The purpose of our review is to highlight methods that can be utilized to investigate fungal filamentation, an important step in the development of biofilms, in the invertebrate hosts Galleria mellonella, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster.
Insights
Investigating fungal filamentation in invertebrate models like Galleria mellonella is crucial for understanding biofilm development and combating difficult-to-treat fungal infections in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
Background:
- Increased prevalence of immunocompromised patients and medical devices leads to higher risk of fungal infections.
- Fungal biofilms are key to pathogenesis, enabling tissue invasion and antimicrobial resistance.
- Effective treatment of these infections remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for investigating fungal filamentation, a critical step in biofilm formation.
- To highlight the utility of invertebrate hosts as models for studying fungal infections in vivo.
- To identify potential targets for antifungal therapies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing invertebrate models: Galleria mellonella, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster.
- Investigating genetic requirements for fungal filamentation within these hosts.
- Screening for compounds that inhibit fungal filamentation.
Main Results:
- Invertebrate models provide valuable insights into fungal pathogenesis and biofilm development.
- Filamentation is a critical virulence factor in fungal infections.
- Methods for studying filamentation in vivo are essential for drug discovery.
Conclusions:
- Invertebrate models are powerful tools for studying fungal virulence and biofilm formation.
- Understanding fungal filamentation is key to developing novel antifungal strategies.
- This review consolidates methods for advancing antifungal research using invertebrate models.
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