Biofilm Formation in Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci
Summary
Coagulase‐Negative Staphylococci (CoNS), notably Staphylococcus epidermidis, are ubiquitous commensals of human skin and mucous membranes that have emerged as leading causes of device‐related and nosocomial infections. Central to their pathogenic success is the ability to form complex biofilms on indwelling medical devices, catheters and prostheses. Biofilm development proceeds through discrete stages: initial attachment mediated by surface adhesins, accumulation driven by intercellular adhesion factors, and maturation into a three‐dimensional matrix rich in exopolysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA. Regulation of this process involves the icaADBC operon, which synthesises polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA), as well as global regulatory systems that respond to environmental cues. Biofilm‐embedded cells exhibit altered metabolism, enhanced tolerance to antibiotics and protection from host immune defences, contributing to chronic infection and therapeutic failure. Understanding the molecular determinants of CoNS biofilm formation is therefore crucial for devising strategies to prevent colonisation of medical devices and to eradicate established biofilms.
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Biofilm Formation in Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in biofilm formation in coagulase-negative staphylococci across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA): A poly‐N‐acetylglucosamine polymer produced by the icaADBC operon that mediates cell–cell adhesion within the biofilm.
icaADBC operon: A gene cluster encoding enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis and deacetylation of PIA in CoNS.
Accumulation‐associated protein (Aap): A zinc‐dependent surface protein that promotes bacterial aggregation and biofilm accumulation.
Exopolysaccharide matrix: The complex extracellular scaffold of polysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA providing mechanical stability to biofilms.
Two‐component regulatory system: Paired sensor–regulator proteins (for example ArlRS or Agr) that detect environmental stimuli and control gene expression relevant to biofilm formation.
Microfluidic diagnostic assay: A miniaturised platform that enables rapid detection of biofilm‐associated markers in clinical samples.
References
- The pathogenicity and virulence of the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis. Virulence (2024).
- Biology and Regulation of Staphylococcal Biofilm. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- The Role of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Biofilms on Late-Onset Sepsis: Current Challenges and Emerging Diagnostics and Therapies. Antibiotics (2023).
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