Microbial Interkingdom Biofilms and the Quest for Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Fungal and bacterial species interact with each other within polymicrobial biofilm communities in various niches of the human body. Interactions between these species can greatly affect human health and disease. Diseases caused by polymicrobial biofilms pose a major challenge in clinical settings because of their enhanced virulence and increased drug tolerance. Therefore, different approaches are being explored to treat fungal-bacterial biofilm infections. This review focuses on the main mechanisms involved in polymicrobial drug tolerance and the implications of the polymicrobial nature for the therapeutic treatment by highlighting clinically relevant fungal-bacterial interactions. Furthermore, innovative treatment strategies which specifically target polymicrobial biofilms are discussed.

Automated summary

This review article focuses on the interactions between fungal and bacterial species within polymicrobial biofilm communities in the human body, highlighting the implications for human health and disease. It discusses the challenges posed by diseases caused by polymicrobial biofilms in clinical settings and explores different approaches being explored for treatment. Additionally, innovative treatment strategies specifically targeting polymicrobial biofilms are also discussed in the review.