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Biofilm Formation by Pathogenic Bacteria: Applying a Staphylococcus aureus Model to Appraise Potential Targets for
Zahra Sedarat1, Andrew W Taylor-Robinson2,3
1Cellular & Molecular Research Centre, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
Abstract:
Carried in the nasal passages by up to 30% of humans, Staphylococcus aureus is recognized to be a successful opportunistic pathogen. It is a frequent cause of infections of the upper respiratory tract, including sinusitis, and of the skin, typically abscesses, as well as of food poisoning and medical device contamination. The antimicrobial resistance of such, often chronic, health conditions is underpinned by the unique structure of bacterial biofilm, which is the focus of increasing research to try to overcome this serious public health challenge. Due to the protective barrier of an exopolysaccharide matrix, bacteria that are embedded within biofilm are highly resistant both to an infected individual's immune response and to any treating antibiotics. An in-depth appraisal of the stepwise progression of biofilm formation by S. aureus, used as a model infection for all cases of bacterial antibiotic resistance, has enhanced understanding of this complicated microscopic structure and served to highlight possible intervention targets for both patient cure and community infection control. While antibiotic therapy offers a practical means of treatment and prevention, the most favorable results are achieved in combination with other methods. This review provides an overview of S. aureus biofilm development, outlines the current range of anti-biofilm agents that are used against each stage and summarizes their relative merits.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus forms protective biofilms, causing antibiotic resistance. Understanding biofilm development reveals targets for new treatments to combat this public health challenge.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common opportunistic pathogen residing in nasal passages.
- It causes various infections, including sinusitis, skin abscesses, and food poisoning.
- Bacterial biofilms, particularly those formed by S. aureus, are a major cause of antimicrobial resistance and chronic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development.
- To outline current anti-biofilm agents and their efficacy.
- To identify potential intervention targets for S. aureus infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on S. aureus biofilm formation.
- Analysis of the structure and protective mechanisms of S. aureus biofilms.
- Evaluation of existing anti-biofilm strategies and agents.
Main Results:
- S. aureus biofilms possess a protective exopolysaccharide matrix, conferring high resistance to antibiotics and host immunity.
- Understanding the stepwise progression of biofilm formation highlights key targets for intervention.
- Combined therapeutic approaches, including antibiotics and other methods, show the most promise.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation presents a significant public health challenge due to antimicrobial resistance.
- Targeting specific stages of biofilm development offers promising strategies for treatment and control.
- Further research into anti-biofilm agents and combination therapies is crucial for effective management.
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