Current Concepts in Biofilm Formation of StaPhylococcus Epidermidis

Abstract

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a highly significant nosocomial pathogen mediating infections primarily associated with indwelling biomaterials (e.g., catheters and prostheses). In contrast to Staphylococcus aureus, virulence properties associated with S. epidermidis are few and biofilm formation is the defining virulence factor associated with disease, as demonstrated by animal models of biomaterial-related infections. However, other virulence factors, such as phenol-soluble modulins and poly-γ-DL-glutamic acid, have been recently recognized that thwart innate immune system mechanisms. Formation of S. epidermidis biofilm is typically considered a four-step process consisting of adherence, accumulation, maturation and dispersal. This article will discuss recent advances in the study of these four steps, including accumulation, which can be either polysaccharide or protein mediated. It is hypothesized that studies focused on understanding the biological function of each step in staphylococcal biofilm formation will yield new treatment modalities to treat these recalcitrant infections.

Covalent immobilization of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) onto biomaterial surfaces

“…Immune system performance can be compromised by direct surgical trauma, implant presence, low availability of blood vessels in the implant vicinity and inflammatory escalation, frequently resulting in peri-implant tissue damage. The activity and virulence of microorganisms are correlated with their capacity for biofilm formation [8]. Biofilms can colonize almost every kind of material (metals, ceramics and polymers) and therefore medical devices [9].…”

Biofilm Producing Staphylococcus epidermidis Strains Isolated From Clinical Samples in Tehran, Iran

“…Staphylococcus epidermidis has the ability to form biofilm, which consists of multilayered bacterial communities stabilized by intercellular adhesive mechanisms that do not respond to antimicrobial treatments (3).…”

Oxidation-sensing Regulator AbfR Regulates Oxidative Stress Responses, Bacterial Aggregation, and Biofilm Formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis

“…7 and 8). Indeed, cell surface structures often mediate biofilm formation and bacterial aggregation (63)(64)(65), whereas either the SERP2195 or gpxA-2 gene encode the putative enzyme involved in glutathione metabolism. It is tempting to suppose that the intercellular redox state of S. epidermidis might modulate bacteria cell surface structures and thus lead to the altered ability of autoaggregation of S. epidermidis.…”