Fungal biofilms in human disease

Williams, C. and Ramage, G. (2015) Fungal biofilms in human disease. In: Donelli, G. (ed.) Biofilm-based Healthcare-associated Infections. Series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, II (831). Springer International Publishing, pp. 11-27. ISBN 9783319097817 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-09782-4_2)

Abstract

Fungal biofilms are an important clinical problem. A number of factors including the increasing use of indwelling medical devices wider prescription of broad spectrum antibiotics and an aging and more immuno-compromised patient population has combined to create an opportunity for yeasts and moulds to cause infection. It is also becoming increasingly clear that for a number of serious infections the development of a fungal biofilm is important in the pathophysiology of the infection.<p></p> This chapter will discuss the importance of fungal biofilms in different anatomical areas, will try to provide insights into how fungal biofilm infection should be diagnosed and treated and provide an explanation as to why biofilms may be difficult to treat effectively with routine antifungal regimens.<p></p> Finally it will discuss how our current level of knowledge of the development and biology of fungal biofilms may, in future, lead to a wider choice of therapeutic interventions.<p></p>

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ramage, Professor Gordon and Williams, Dr Craig
• Authors: Williams, C., and Ramage, G.
• 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: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
• Publisher: Springer International Publishing
• ISSN: 0065-2598
• ISBN: 9783319097817

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