The social life of microbes in chronic infection
Carolyn B Ibberson1, Marvin Whiteley1
1School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; Emory-Children's Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States; Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States.
Abstract:
Chronic infections place a significant burden on healthcare systems, requiring over $25 billion in treatment annually in the United States alone [1,2]. Notably, the majority of chronic infections, which include cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic wounds, otitis media, periodontitis, urinary tract infections, and osteomyelitis, are considered polymicrobial and are often recalcitrant to antibiotic treatment [1-9]. Although we know that diverse communities of microbes comprise these infections, how microbes interact and the impacts of these interactions on human disease are less understood. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how bacteria communicate in chronic infection, with a focus on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and we highlight outstanding questions and controversies in the field.
Insights
Chronic infections, often caused by multiple bacteria, are difficult to treat. This review explores how bacteria communicate in chronic infections, focusing on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to understand their impact on human disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Communication
Background:
- Chronic infections represent a significant healthcare burden, costing over $25 billion annually in the US.
- Most chronic infections are polymicrobial and resistant to antibiotic therapies.
- Understanding microbial interactions is crucial for treating these complex diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding bacterial communication in chronic infections.
- To focus on the roles of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in these processes.
- To identify key questions and controversies in the field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on bacterial communication in chronic infections.
- Focus on studies involving Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Synthesis of current knowledge and identification of research gaps.
Main Results:
- Chronic infections are frequently polymicrobial and challenging to treat with antibiotics.
- Bacterial communication (e.g., quorum sensing) plays a critical role in infection dynamics.
- Specific examples of interactions between Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Advances in understanding bacterial communication offer new avenues for treating chronic infections.
- Further research is needed to elucidate complex microbial interactions and their impact on disease.
- Targeting bacterial communication pathways may overcome antibiotic resistance in chronic infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:28Microbial Nutrition
01:29Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
01:26Stages of Infection
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:30Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes