Biofilms and Complement Resistance Flashcards
name 3 types of biofilms
- Mixed communities of interdependent bacteria (synotrophism)
- Single species biofilms
- Matrix of exopolysaccharide and/or DNA
whats the Structure of Biofilms
- Three-dimensional structure (flat or larger structures)
- Interspersed by water channels permitting circulation of nutrients and oxygen
- But variable environments (e.g. low oxygen in centre)
what is Exopolysaccharide
Secreted polysaccharides Wide array of types Some species produce only one type and others multiple types Often appear as mucoid colonies on plates, frequently slow-growing
give 2 examples of Exopolysaccharides
- staphylococci produce a slime substance PIA or PNAG
- E. coli produces colanic acid
how do Biofilms work in Pathogenesis
- Attachment to host tissues
- Increase metabolic efficiency of community Obtain a high density of microorganisms
- Gene transfer
- Protection from antimicrobial agents (antibiotics), immune effectors and phagocytosis
how do Biofilms provide Resistance to Antimicrobial agents
- Prevent antimicrobial agents from reaching bacterial cells
- Nutrient-starved, slow-growing bacterial cells are resistant to many antimicrobial agents
- Distinct biofilm-associated phenotypic state resistant to agents
- Source of re-infection after killing of planktonic cells
whats the prevalence of Cystic Fibrosis?
affects 70,000 people/annum worldwide
how does infection occur in cystic fibrosis
- Mutation in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)
- CFTR-defect lung leads to defects in mucociliary clearance, accumulation of mucus and poor clearance of bacteria
- Gradual decrease in lung function further impacted by exacerbations
- Initial colonisation by H. influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus is followed by colonisation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- P. aeruginosa predictor of morbidity and mortality
P. aeruginosa’s role in Cystic Fibrosis
- Initial colonisation is by planktonic cells
- Switch to mucoid phenotype and biofilm production associated with poor clearance
- Exopolysaccharide production and anaerobic state associated with antibiotic resistance and inhibition of immune clearance
- P. aeruginosa produces large number of virulence factors many regulated by quorum- sensing control mechanisms
describe Formation of Biofilms by P. aeruginosa
- Attachment facilitated by biofilms = flat
- Initial attachment by flagella, Down-regulation of flagella Siderophore production Type IV pili, twitching motility = structured
what is the structure of the P. aeruginosa Matrix?
- Alginate – acetylated polymer of nonrepetitive monomers of beta-1,4-linked L-guluronic and D- mannuronic acids
- Psl – mannose-rich and galactose-rich polysaccharide
- Pel – glucose-rich polymer DNA and Protein
Functions of Psl and Pel
Initial attachment
Differentiation
Pellicle-type biofilms
explain P. aeruginosa Biofilms in CF
- Initial Colonisation of CF lung by Non-mucoid strains
- Repression of algU by mucABCD
- Progression to Mucoid strains producing alginate (frequent mutation in negative regulator mucA)
Functions of Alginate?
- alginate-antibodies antimicrobial compounds antibiotics
- adsorbed by ROS bactericidal and causing Tissue damage
- IFNg-activated phagocyte
what are Dental Biofilms?
+ Dental biofilms (plaque) is a prerequisite to dental caries
+ Dental biofilms consistent of a heterogenous mix of bacterial species which undergoes temporal changes
+ Metabolism of bacteria in the plaque generates acid leading to removal of the enamel and tooth decay