Mycobacterial biofilms as players in human infections: a review

Abstract

The role of biofilms in pathogenicity and treatment strategies is often neglected in mycobacterial infections. In recent years, the emergence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections has necessitated the development of novel prophylactic strategies and elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the establishment of chronic infections. More importantly, the question arises whether members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex can form biofilms and contribute to latent tuberculosis and drug resistance because of the long-lasting and recalcitrant nature of its infections. This review discusses some of the molecular mechanisms by which biofilms could play a role in infection or pathological events in humans.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Biofilm
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• nontuberculous mycobacteria
• persistence
• chronicity
• cell wall lipids

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no financial interest or benefit regarding the publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The work was financially supported by Universidad de Sonora and CONACyT (grant Salud-2011-1-162175).