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Fungal Biofilms: Relevance in the Setting of Human Disease

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Abstract

The use of indwelling medical devices is rapidly growing and is often complicated by infections with biofilm-forming microbes that are resistant to antimicrobial agents and host defense mechanisms. Fungal biofilms have emerged as a clinical problem associated with these medical device infections, causing significant morbidity and mortality. This review discusses the recent advances in the understanding of fungal biofilms, including the role of fungal surface components in adherence, gene expression, and quorum sensing in biofilm formation. We propose novel strategies for the prevention or eradication of microbial colonization of medical prosthetic devices.

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  1. Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue Bronx, Morris Park, NY, 10461, USA

    Luis R. Martinez & Bettina C. Fries

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  1. Luis R. Martinez
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  2. Bettina C. Fries
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Correspondence to Luis R. Martinez or Bettina C. Fries.

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Martinez, L.R., Fries, B.C. Fungal Biofilms: Relevance in the Setting of Human Disease. Curr Fungal Infect Rep 4, 266–275 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12281-010-0035-5

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