Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Candida albicans Biofilm Development on Medically-relevant Foreign Bodies in a Mouse Subcutaneous Model Followed by Bioluminescence Imaging
Published on: January 27, 2015
Candida auris Biofilm Colonization on Skin Niche Conditions
1Division of Infectious Disease, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA puppuluri@labiomed.org.
Abstract:
Candida auris, an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast, has recently been associated with outbreaks of invasive infections in health care facilities worldwide. Its success as a nosocomial pathogen lies in its capability to sustain for prolonged periods in the intensive care unit (ICU), adeptly colonize skin, and spread among patients. Little is known of the mechanism behind the predilection of C. auris for skin or the extent of its resilience on it. Now, M. V. Horton, C. J. Johnson, J. F. Kernien, T. D. Patel, et al. (mSphere 5:e00910-19, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1128/mSphere.00910-19) demonstrate that in synthetic sweat medium designed to mimic axillary skin conditions, C. auris can grow into multilayers of cells called biofilms that can resist desiccation. C. auris' propensity to form biofilms was further elaborated using a novel ex vivo porcine skin model of skin colonization. These studies provide early evidence that C. auris biofilm cells persisting on skin could serve as source of continuing outbreaks in health care facilities. Interventions blocking C. auris biofilm growth on skin will help control the spread of this pathogen.
Insights
Candida auris, a resistant yeast, forms resilient biofilms on skin, contributing to healthcare outbreaks. Targeting these biofilms could prevent the spread of this dangerous pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast causing invasive infections globally.
- Its persistence in healthcare settings is linked to skin colonization and patient-to-patient spread.
- Mechanisms of skin predilection and resilience for Candida auris remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of Candida auris skin colonization and resilience.
- To understand the role of biofilms in Candida auris persistence on skin.
- To provide evidence for controlling Candida auris outbreaks in healthcare facilities.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Candida auris in synthetic sweat medium simulating axillary skin conditions.
- Utilizing a novel ex vivo porcine skin model to study skin colonization.
- Observing biofilm formation and desiccation resistance in vitro and ex vivo.
Main Results:
- Candida auris forms multilayered biofilms resistant to desiccation in synthetic sweat.
- Biofilm formation on porcine skin demonstrates successful ex vivo colonization.
- These findings suggest skin biofilms are a reservoir for Candida auris.
Conclusions:
- Candida auris exhibits a propensity for biofilm formation on skin.
- Persistent skin biofilms may act as a continuous source of infection outbreaks.
- Interventions targeting Candida auris biofilm development on skin are crucial for outbreak control.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Biofilms
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...