Biofilms by bacterial human pathogens: Clinical relevance - development, composition and regulation - therapeutical strategies

Abstract

Notably, bacterial biofilm formation is increas-ingly recognized as a passive virulence factor facilitating many infectious disease processes. In this review we will focus on bacterial biofilms formed by human pathogens and highlight their relevance for diverse diseases. Along biofilm composition and regulation emphasis is laid on the intensively studied biofilms of Vibrio cholerae, Pseu-domonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus spp., which are commonly used as biofilm model organisms and therefore contribute to our general understanding of bacterial bio-film (patho-)physiology. Finally, therapeutical interven-tion strategies targeting biofilms will be discussed.

Topics & Concepts