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Published on: December 27, 2016
Biology and Regulation of Staphylococcal Biofilm
Patrice François1,2, Jacques Schrenzel1,2, Friedrich Götz3
1Genomic Research Laboratory, Service of Infectious Diseases, Geneva and University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Despite continuing progress in medical and surgical procedures, staphylococci remain the major Gram-positive bacterial pathogens that cause a wide spectrum of diseases, especially in patients requiring the utilization of indwelling catheters and prosthetic devices implanted temporarily or for prolonged periods of time. Within the genus, if Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis are prevalent species responsible for infections, several coagulase-negative species which are normal components of our microflora also constitute opportunistic pathogens that are able to infect patients. In such a clinical context, staphylococci producing biofilms show an increased resistance to antimicrobials and host immune defenses. Although the biochemical composition of the biofilm matrix has been extensively studied, the regulation of biofilm formation and the factors contributing to its stability and release are currently still being discovered. This review presents and discusses the composition and some regulation elements of biofilm development and describes its clinical importance. Finally, we summarize the numerous and various recent studies that address attempts to destroy an already-formed biofilm within the clinical context as a potential therapeutic strategy to avoid the removal of infected implant material, a critical event for patient convenience and health care costs.
Insights
Staphylococci bacteria form biofilms, increasing resistance to antibiotics and immune defenses. This review explores biofilm formation, clinical impact, and therapeutic strategies to eliminate biofilms on medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Staphylococci are leading Gram-positive bacterial pathogens causing infections, particularly with medical devices.
- Biofilm formation by staphylococci enhances resistance to antimicrobials and host defenses.
- While biofilm composition is known, regulation and stability factors are under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the composition and regulation of staphylococcal biofilm development.
- To discuss the clinical significance of staphylococcal biofilms.
- To summarize recent therapeutic strategies for eradicating established biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on staphylococcal biofilm formation and clinical impact.
- Analysis of research on biofilm matrix composition and regulatory elements.
- Synthesis of findings from recent therapeutic interventions targeting biofilms.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcal biofilms present a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
- Understanding biofilm regulation is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Targeting established biofilms offers a potential alternative to device removal.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcal biofilms are clinically important due to increased antimicrobial resistance.
- Further research into biofilm regulation and stability is needed.
- Therapeutic strategies to destroy biofilms are a promising approach to manage device-associated infections.
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