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Targeting Biofilm Associated Staphylococcus aureus Using Resazurin Based Drug-susceptibility Assay
Published on: May 5, 2016
Prevention and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Mohini Bhattacharya1, Daniel J Wozniak1,2,3, Paul Stoodley2,3,4,5
1a Department of Microbiology , The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA.
Abstract:
S. aureus colonizes both artificial and tissue surfaces in humans causing chronic persistent infections that are difficult to cure. It is a notorious pathogen due to its antibiotic recalcitrance and phenotypic adaptability, both of which are facilitated by its ability to develop biofilms. S. aureus biofilms challenge conventional anti-infective approaches, most notably antibiotic therapy. Therefore there is an unmet need to develop and include parallel approaches that target S. aureus biofilm infections. This review discusses two broad anti-infective strategies: (1) preventative approaches (anti-biofilm surface coatings, the inclusion of biofilm-specific vaccine antigens); and (2) approaches aimed at eradicating established S. aureus biofilms, particularly those associated with implant infections. Advances in understanding the distinct nature of S. aureus biofilm development and pathogenesis have led to growing optimism in S. aureus biofilm targeted anti-infective strategies. Further research is needed however, to see the successful administration and validation of these approaches to the diverse types of infections caused by S. aureus biofilms from multiple clinical strains.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus biofilms cause persistent infections, resisting antibiotics. New strategies focus on prevention and eradication of these challenging biofilms to improve treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen causing chronic infections on artificial and tissue surfaces.
- Its ability to form biofilms contributes to antibiotic recalcitrance and treatment challenges.
- Current anti-infective therapies are often insufficient against S. aureus biofilms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging anti-infective strategies targeting Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.
- To highlight the need for novel approaches beyond conventional antibiotic therapy.
- To discuss preventative and eradicative strategies for S. aureus biofilm infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anti-biofilm strategies for Staphylococcus aureus.
- Discussion of preventative measures such as surface coatings and vaccine antigens.
- Analysis of methods for eradicating established biofilms, especially in implant-associated infections.
Main Results:
- Two main categories of strategies are discussed: preventative and eradicative.
- Advances in understanding biofilm development offer optimism for targeted therapies.
- The review synthesizes current knowledge on tackling S. aureus biofilms.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for parallel approaches to combat S. aureus biofilm infections.
- Both preventative and eradicative strategies show promise in preclinical and early clinical research.
- Further research and validation are required for successful clinical translation against diverse S. aureus strains.
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