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Annual review of microbiology, 2015-01, Vol.69 (1), p.71-92
Ort / Verlag
United States: Annual Reviews
Erscheinungsjahr
2015
Link zum Volltext
Quelle
MEDLINE
Beschreibungen/Notizen
In humans, microbial cells (including bacteria, archaea, and fungi) greatly outnumber host cells.
Candida albicans
is the most prevalent fungal species of the human microbiota; this species asymptomatically colonizes many areas of the body, particularly the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of healthy individuals. Alterations in host immunity, stress, resident microbiota, and other factors can lead to
C. albicans
overgrowth, causing a wide range of infections, from superficial mucosal to hematogenously disseminated candidiasis. To date, most studies of
C. albicans
have been carried out in suspension cultures; however, the medical impact of
C. albicans
(like that of many other microorganisms) depends on its ability to thrive as a biofilm, a closely packed community of cells. Biofilms are notorious for forming on implanted medical devices, including catheters, pacemakers, dentures, and prosthetic joints, which provide a surface and sanctuary for biofilm growth.
C. albicans
biofilms are intrinsically resistant to conventional antifungal therapeutics, the host immune system, and other environmental perturbations, making biofilm-based infections a significant clinical challenge. Here, we review our current knowledge of biofilms formed by
C. albicans
and closely related fungal species.