Intestinal Biofilms: Pathophysiological Relevance, Host Defense, and Therapeutic Opportunities

Overview

Journal Clin Microbiol Rev

Publisher American Society for Microbiology

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2024 Jul 12

PMID 38995034

Authors

Bernhard Jandl

Satish Dighe

Christoph Gasche

Athanasios Makristathis

Markus Muttenthaler

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

SUMMARYThe human intestinal tract harbors a profound variety of microorganisms that live in symbiosis with the host and each other. It is a complex and highly dynamic environment whose homeostasis directly relates to human health. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and polymicrobial biofilms have been associated with gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and colorectal cancers. This review covers the molecular composition and organization of intestinal biofilms, mechanistic aspects of biofilm signaling networks for bacterial communication and behavior, and synergistic effects in polymicrobial biofilms. It further describes the clinical relevance and diseases associated with gut biofilms, the role of biofilms in antimicrobial resistance, and the intestinal host defense system and therapeutic strategies counteracting biofilms. Taken together, this review summarizes the latest knowledge and research on intestinal biofilms and their role in gut disorders and provides directions toward the development of biofilm-specific treatments.

Citing Articles

Fluoroquinolones and Biofilm: A Narrative Review.

Geremia N, Giovagnorio F, Colpani A, De Vito A, Botan A, Stroffolini G Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025; 17(12.

PMID: 39770514 PMC: 11679785. DOI: 10.3390/ph17121673.

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