Unraveling the interplay between unicellular parasites and bacterial biofilms: Implications for disease persistence and antibiotic resistance

Autor: Eva Zanditenas, Serge Ankri
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Virulence, Vol 15, Iss 1 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 21505594
2150-5608
2150-5594
DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2289775
Popis: ABSTRACTBacterial biofilms have attracted significant attention due to their involvement in persistent infections, food and water contamination, and infrastructure corrosion. This review delves into the intricate interactions between bacterial biofilms and unicellular parasites, shedding light on their impact on biofilm formation, structure, and function. Unicellular parasites, including protozoa, influence bacterial biofilms through grazing activities, leading to adaptive changes in bacterial communities. Moreover, parasites like Leishmania and Giardia can shape biofilm composition in a grazing independent manner, potentially influencing disease outcomes. Biofilms, acting as reservoirs, enable the survival of protozoan parasites against environmental stressors and antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, these biofilms may influence parasite virulence and stress responses, posing challenges in disease treatment. Interactions between unicellular parasites and fungal-containing biofilms is also discussed, hinting at complex microbial relationships in various ecosystems. Understanding these interactions offers insights into disease mechanisms and antibiotic resistance dissemination, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies and ecosystem-level implications.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals