Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae biofilms: role in chronic airway infections

Like many pathogens inhabiting mucosal surfaces, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) forms multicellular biofilm communities both in vitro and in various infection models. In the past 15 years much has been learned about determinants of biofilm formation by this organism and potential roles in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology 2012, Vol.2, p.97-97
Main Author: Swords, W Edward
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biofilms
Biofilms - growth & development
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Haemophilus Infections - microbiology
Haemophilus influenzae
Haemophilus influenzae - pathogenicity
Haemophilus influenzae - physiology
Humans
Microbiology
Mucous Membrane - microbiology
Otitis Media
Otitis Media - microbiology
Respiratory Mucosa - microbiology
Respiratory Tract Infections - microbiology
rhinosinusitis
Sinusitis - microbiology
Virulence
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Summary:Like many pathogens inhabiting mucosal surfaces, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) forms multicellular biofilm communities both in vitro and in various infection models. In the past 15 years much has been learned about determinants of biofilm formation by this organism and potential roles in bacterial virulence, especially in the context of chronic and recurrent infections. However, this concept has not been without some degree of controversy, and in the past some have expressed doubts about the relevance of NTHi biofilms to disease. In this review, I will summarize the present information on the composition and potential role(s) of NTHi biofilms in different clinical contexts, as well as highlight potential areas for future work.
ISSN:2235-2988
2235-2988
DOI:10.3389/fcimb.2012.00097