Deciphering Streptococcal Biofilms
Loading...
Date
2020-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Streptococci are a diverse group of bacteria, which are mostly commensals but also
cause a considerable proportion of life-threatening infections. They colonize many different host
niches such as the oral cavity, the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tract. While these
host compartments impose different environmental conditions, many streptococci form biofilms on
mucosal membranes facilitating their prolonged survival. In response to environmental conditions or
stimuli, bacteria experience profound physiologic and metabolic changes during biofilm formation.
While investigating bacterial cells under planktonic and biofilm conditions, various genes have been
identified that are important for the initial step of biofilm formation. Expression patterns of these
genes during the transition from planktonic to biofilm growth suggest a highly regulated and complex
process. Biofilms as a bacterial survival strategy allow evasion of host immunity and protection
against antibiotic therapy. However, the exact mechanisms by which biofilm-associated bacteria
cause disease are poorly understood. Therefore, advanced molecular techniques are employed to
identify gene(s) or protein(s) as targets for the development of antibiofilm therapeutic approaches.
We review our current understanding of biofilm formation in different streptococci and how biofilm
production may alter virulence-associated characteristics of these species. In addition, we have
summarized the role of surface proteins especially pili proteins in biofilm formation. This review will
provide an overview of strategies which may be exploited for developing novel approaches against
biofilm-related streptococcal infections.