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Updated: Nov 20, 2025
Clarifying and Imaging Candida albicans Biofilms
Published on: March 6, 2020
Candida albicans biofilms and polymicrobial interactions
Nicole O Ponde1, Léa Lortal1, Gordon Ramage2
1Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Candida albicans is a common fungus of the human microbiota. While generally a harmless commensal in healthy individuals, several factors can lead to its overgrowth and cause a range of complications within the host, from localized superficial infections to systemic life-threatening disseminated candidiasis. A major virulence factor of C. albicans is its ability to form biofilms, a closely packed community of cells that can grow on both abiotic and biotic substrates, including implanted medical devices and mucosal surfaces. These biofilms are extremely hard to eradicate, are resistant to conventional antifungal treatment and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, making biofilm-associated infections a major clinical challenge. Here, we review the current knowledge of the processes involved in C. albicans biofilm formation and development, including the central processes of adhesion, extracellular matrix production and the transcriptional network that regulates biofilm development. We also consider the advantages of the biofilm lifestyle and explore polymicrobial interactions within multispecies biofilms that are formed by C. albicans and selected microbial species.
Insights
Candida albicans can cause serious infections by forming biofilms, which are difficult to treat. This review covers biofilm formation, advantages, and interactions with other microbes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common human commensal fungus.
- Factors can cause C. albicans overgrowth, leading to infections from superficial to systemic.
- Biofilm formation is a key virulence factor, posing clinical challenges due to resistance to antifungals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on Candida albicans biofilm formation and development.
- To explore the advantages of the biofilm lifestyle for C. albicans.
- To examine polymicrobial interactions in multispecies biofilms involving C. albicans.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Candida albicans biofilm research.
- Analysis of key processes: adhesion, extracellular matrix production, and transcriptional regulation.
- Exploration of multispecies biofilm dynamics.
Main Results:
- Biofilm formation involves adhesion, matrix production, and complex transcriptional networks.
- Biofilms provide survival advantages and resistance to antifungal treatments.
- Candida albicans interacts with other microbes in multispecies biofilms, influencing infection dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Understanding C. albicans biofilm development is crucial for combating associated infections.
- Further research into polymicrobial interactions is needed to address clinical challenges.
- Targeting biofilm formation presents a potential strategy for antifungal therapy.
