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Updated: Feb 11, 2026
13:25
Harvesting and Disaggregation: An Overlooked Step in Biofilm Methods Research
Published on: April 22, 2022
4.9K
Evidence for biofilms in onychomycosis
Aditya K Gupta1,2, Kelly A Foley3
1Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Canada - agupta@execulink.com.
Summary
Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are hard to treat due to biofilms. These fungal communities resist therapies, causing chronic infections and high recurrence rates, necessitating new treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Onychomycosis is a prevalent, chronic fungal nail infection.
- Treatment challenges include high recurrence rates and resistance to antifungals.
- Biofilm formation is a hypothesized mechanism for treatment evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental evidence linking fungal biofilms to onychomycosis pathogenesis.
- To discuss the implications of biofilms in nail infections for disease management.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent experimental studies on fungal biofilms.
- In vitro biofilm formation assays with dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte molds, and yeasts.
- Ex vivo nail fragment model to demonstrate biofilm formation on human nails.
Main Results:
- Dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte molds, and yeasts can form biofilms in vitro.
- Biofilm formation was confirmed on ex vivo nail fragments for several fungal species.
- Evidence suggests biofilms contribute to antifungal resistance in onychomycosis.
Conclusions:
- Fungal biofilms play a significant role in the pathogenesis of onychomycosis.
- Understanding biofilm formation is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
- Further research is needed to integrate biofilm considerations into antifungal drug and device evaluation.
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