Candida albicans interaction with Gram-positive bacteria within interkingdom biofilms

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Mycology

Background:

• Candida albicans is a human commensal and opportunistic pathogen.
• Nosocomial bloodstream infections are often linked to biofilms on medical devices.
• C. albicans interacts with bacteria in biofilms through direct contact or indirect metabolic exchanges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on interactions between Candida albicans and Gram-positive bacteria within biofilms.
• To highlight the impact of polymicrobial biofilms on infection and treatment.
• To explore C. albicans interactions with Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus spp., and Clostridium spp.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles on C. albicans-bacteria interactions in biofilms.
• Analysis of interaction mechanisms (chemical, metabolic, physical).
• Focus on Gram-positive bacterial species commonly found in polymicrobial infections.

Main Results:

• C. albicans-bacteria interactions can be antagonistic or synergistic.
• Biofilm composition (yeast vs. hyphal forms) influences interactions.
• Polymicrobial biofilms affect disease progression and antimicrobial efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Understanding C. albicans and bacterial interactions in biofilms is crucial.
• This knowledge can lead to novel strategies against biofilm-related infections.
• Further research into multi-kingdom biofilms is needed for effective therapeutic development.