Year: 2022
Type: editorial
Abstract: Insights in biofilms: 2021Despite over four decades of research into microbial biofilms, the clinical management of biofilm-mediated infections remains problematic.Environmental biofilms contribute to massive economic losses, estimated in the region of $5 trillion USD annually, and are potential reservoirs for pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) (Caḿara et al., 2022;Highmore et al., 2022).The aim of this special Research Topic is to bring together recent insights into influences of the host environment, aggregates in in vivo infections, microbial biofilm physiology and emerging approaches for biofilm control.In a wide-ranging and comprehensive review, Hall-Stoodley and McCoy examine the role of the host environment, specifically mucosal epithelial microenvironments, on biofilm formation in the respiratory tract and the contribution of airway pathophysiology and altered barrier and clearance mechanisms (often the result of microbial colonisation).This review focussed on bacterial aggregates, defined as cohesive groups of microbial cells surrounded by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which exhibit a biofilm-like phenotype (Sauer et al., 2022).These aggregates may be suspended within the mucus hydrogel layer of the airways, free floating or directly adhered to epithelial cells.In either case, the higher order multicellular organisation of bacteria within these aggregates and diversity of bacterial phenotypes allow aggregated microorganisms to tolerate stressful conditions encountered within the host.The role of microenvironmental conditions of, for example, the CF lung in promotion of this aggregative phenotype is described, and insights into more accurate modelling of the human airway microenvironment are discussed, to facilitate and inform ongoing research into improving the management of biofilms in respiratory tract infections.The perspective by Oliveira et al. reviews the role of iron metabolism in S. epidermidis pathogenesis and biofilm formation, and considers the potential of targeting ironacquisition processes for development of novel anti-infective strategies.Building on the themes discussed in the review by Hall-Stoodley and McCoy, biofilm formation is Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology frontiersin.org01
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,950
OpenAlex ID: W4309839613