Year: 2022
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Many microbes are part of the human body in a harmless state and contribute to certain processes and help maintain a healthy body. However, when given the opportunity, through a weakened immune system overgrowth of the microorganism can emerge which can cause inflammation and disease. An example of such microbe is the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. C. albicans possess the ability to form 'biofilms'. Biofilms are structures formed by microorganisms that stick together and adhere to a surface. The structure is covered in a protective layer, the extracellular matrix. C. albicans frequently forms such biofilm structures and in this manner causes infections. Biofilm-related infections are more persistent and difficult to treat because these highly organized structures covered within a matrix offer a lot of protection to almost all types of treatment. Medical-devices, including catheters, pacemakers, etc. are ideal substrates for biofilm-associated infections. The increasing use of medical devices in modern medicine consequently encounters an increased occurrence of biofilms-related infections turning it into a relevant heath problem and economic burden. Biofilm development on implanted medical devices often results in functional loss of the device and the necessity to remove the device. Given these challenges, we will investigate the host immune (inflammasome response) against C. albicans biofilms and propose alternative therapy by enhancing the host immune defense.
Author: Rogiers, Ona
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7018561289