Biofilm Flashcards
What is the basic life cycle of a pathogen
Enters/ attaches, consolidation/ multiplication, causes harm, release from host, dissemisntation and transmission
What is a biofilm?
matrix enclosed bacterial (or fungal) populations adherent to each other and/or to surfaces or interfaces. Predominant form of bacteria life
What are different biofilms impact?
cooling water, teeth- plaque, oil recovery, drinking water
In biofilms are cells more resilient if so why?
Attaching to each other, can sense and respond to environment at any point in time, provides a defence cell
What is meant by planktonic?
free floating cell, motile (frotchella), ability to try catch food.
What is meant by micro-colony?
works together (family), small level of protection
How does a biofilm develop?
Adhesion, colonization, accumulation, complex community, dispersal
What are benefits of being in a biofilm?
protective enviroment
co-ordinated cellular events
division of labour
EPS traps nutrients
less energy utilised
survival in numbers
What are the three essential elements of biofilm development?
micro organism, surface, conditioning film
What is Glycocoalyx- ECM and what does it do?
this slime is composed of exopolymeric substrate which maintains a hydrated environment- needs this to be a biofilm
provides protective barrier
What is meant by dental plaque?
a diverse microbial community (usually bacteria) found on the tooth surface, embedded in a matrix of polymers of bacterial and salivary origin.
What is the main aetiologic agent involved with caries and periodontal disease?
Plaque
Describe some oral biofilm diseases?
periodontal infections, endodontic infection- root canal, caries, oral malodour, mucosal infections
Describe plaque development
colonisation by pioneer bacteria, outgrowth, secondary colonisation, climax community
Describe caries progression
adhesion, survival and growth, biofilm formation, complex plaque, acid, caries
