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Published on: December 14, 2017
Biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi: a therapeutic challenge
Maryam Roudbary1, Roya Vahedi-Shahandashti2, André Luis Souza Dos Santos3
1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Biofilms are highly-organized microbial communities attached to a biotic or an abiotic surface, surrounded by an extracellular matrix secreted by the biofilm-forming cells. The majority of fungal pathogens contribute to biofilm formation within tissues or biomedical devices, leading to serious and persistent infections. The clinical significance of biofilms relies on the increased resistance to conventional antifungal therapies and suppression of the host immune system, which leads to invasive and recurrent fungal infections. While different features of yeast biofilms are well-described in the literature, the structural and molecular basis of biofilm formation of clinically related filamentous fungi has not been fully addressed. This review aimed to address biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi.
Insights
This review focuses on fungal biofilms, which are microbial communities causing persistent infections and resisting antifungal treatments. It highlights the need for more research into filamentous fungi biofilms, unlike well-studied yeast biofilms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Biofilms are structured microbial communities on surfaces, often involving fungal pathogens.
- These biofilms contribute to persistent infections in tissues and on medical devices.
- Fungal biofilms exhibit increased resistance to antifungal drugs and immune evasion, leading to recurrent infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural and molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi.
- To address the knowledge gap regarding filamentous fungal biofilms compared to yeast biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on fungal biofilm formation.
- Analysis of structural and molecular aspects of biofilm development in filamentous fungi.
- Comparison of biofilm characteristics between filamentous fungi and yeasts.
Main Results:
- Filamentous fungi form complex biofilms with unique structural and molecular properties.
- Understanding these properties is crucial for developing targeted antifungal strategies.
- Existing research predominantly focuses on yeast biofilms, leaving filamentous fungal biofilms understudied.
Conclusions:
- Further investigation into the structural and molecular basis of filamentous fungal biofilms is essential.
- This knowledge can inform new therapeutic approaches against persistent fungal infections.
- Bridging the research gap in filamentous fungal biofilms is critical for clinical management.
