Biofilm formation and dispersal and the transmission of human pathogens
Biofilm formation and dispersal and the transmission of human pathogens
Several pathogenic bacterial species that are found in the environment can form complex multicellular structures on surfaces known as biofilms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae and certain species of nontuberculous mycobacteria are examples of human pathogens that form biofilms in natural aquatic environments. We suggest that the dynamics of biofilm formation facilitates the transmission of pathogens by providing a stable protective environment and acting as a nidus for the dissemination of large numbers of microorganisms; both as detached biofilm clumps and by the fluid-driven dispersal of biofilm clusters along surfaces. We also suggest that emerging evidence indicates that biofilm formation conveys a selective advantage to certain pathogens by increasing their ability to persist under diverse environmental conditions.
7-10
Hall-Stoodley, Luanne
94ebdc00-b549-4488-b15f-5310fb965f5b
Stoodley, Paul
08614665-92a9-4466-806e-20c6daeb483f
January 2005
Hall-Stoodley, Luanne
94ebdc00-b549-4488-b15f-5310fb965f5b
Stoodley, Paul
08614665-92a9-4466-806e-20c6daeb483f
Hall-Stoodley, Luanne and Stoodley, Paul
(2005)
Biofilm formation and dispersal and the transmission of human pathogens.
Trends in Microbiology, 13 (1), .
(doi:10.1016/j.tim.2004.11.004).
Abstract
Several pathogenic bacterial species that are found in the environment can form complex multicellular structures on surfaces known as biofilms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae and certain species of nontuberculous mycobacteria are examples of human pathogens that form biofilms in natural aquatic environments. We suggest that the dynamics of biofilm formation facilitates the transmission of pathogens by providing a stable protective environment and acting as a nidus for the dissemination of large numbers of microorganisms; both as detached biofilm clumps and by the fluid-driven dispersal of biofilm clusters along surfaces. We also suggest that emerging evidence indicates that biofilm formation conveys a selective advantage to certain pathogens by increasing their ability to persist under diverse environmental conditions.
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Published date: January 2005
Organisations:
Engineering Mats & Surface Engineerg Gp
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Local EPrints ID: 157109
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/157109
ISSN: 0966-842X
PURE UUID: e07f778a-2a07-4b40-af7c-bf91a4d654d4
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Date deposited: 08 Jun 2010 16:26
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 02:55
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Author:
Luanne Hall-Stoodley
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