Strength in numbers: antifungal strategies against fungal biofilms

Ramage, G. , Robertson, S.N. and Williams, C. (2014) Strength in numbers: antifungal strategies against fungal biofilms. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 43(2), pp. 114-120. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2013.10.023)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Pathogenic fungi have the capacity to form tenacious biofilm structures that are notoriously unresponsive to antifungal therapies. Fungal biofilms are ubiquitous, located all over the human host, including the oral cavity, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, wounds and upon biomedical devices. This latter category represents one of the greatest hurdles in clinical management, where the presence of inert substrates such as a catheter provides a reservoir for fungal biofilm development. Here, Candida albicans is the most adept at forming biofilms and is the principal nosocomial fungal pathogen based on its high rates of mortality, which are often associated with the biofilm lifestyle. This review will summarise some of the key fungal biofilm-forming organisms and their clinical significance and will discuss current and novel strategies to manage these hard-to-treat infections based on in vitro and in vivo studies.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ramage, Professor Gordon and Williams, Dr Craig and Robertson, Mr Shaun
Authors: Ramage, G., Robertson, S.N., and Williams, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
ISSN:0924-8579
ISSN (Online):1872-7913

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record