Biofilms by bacterial human pathogens: Clinical relevance - development, composition and regulation - therapeutical strategies

Notably, bacterial biofilm formation is increasingly recognized as a passive virulence factor facilitating many infectious disease processes. In this review we will focus on bacterial biofilms formed by human pathogens and highlight their relevance for diverse diseases. Along biofilm composition and regulation emphasis is laid on the intensively studied biofilms of Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus spp., which are commonly used as biofilm model organisms and therefore contribute to our general understanding of bacterial biofilm (patho-)physiology. Finally, therapeutical intervention strategies targeting biofilms will be discussed.

Automated summary

Bacterial biofilm formation is increasingly recognized as a passive virulence factor in infectious disease processes. This review focuses on biofilms formed by human pathogens, particularly examining those of Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus spp., and discussing therapeutic intervention strategies targeting biofilms.