Biofilm Formation in Zoonotic Pathogens

Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that adhere to biotic or abiotic surfaces. In zoonotic pathogens — agents capable of transmission between animals and humans — biofilm formation underpins persistence in animal reservoirs, contamination of food and water supplies and chronic or relapsing infection in humans. Key stages include initial attachment, microcolony formation, maturation of the matrix and eventual dispersal of planktonic cells. Quorum sensing systems coordinate the expression of adhesion factors, EPS synthesis and virulence determinants, while subpopulations within the biofilm display altered metabolism and heightened tolerance to antimicrobials. Common zoonotic bacteria such as Streptococcus suis, Brucella spp., Salmonella enterica and certain strains of Staphylococcus xylosus exploit biofilms in host tissues or farm environments, posing challenges for veterinary control and public health. Strategies to prevent or disrupt biofilms range from surface coatings and enzymatic degradation of EPS to inhibitors of quorum sensing and natural compounds that attenuate matrix formation. Advancements in imaging and omics have illuminated spatiotemporal dynamics of biofilm communities, facilitating the identification of novel anti-biofilm targets and informing vaccine design, antimicrobial stewardship and infection-control protocols across the One Health continuum.

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Biofilm Formation in Zoonotic Pathogens publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biofilm formation in zoonotic pathogens across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Biofilm: A structured community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced matrix and attached to a surface.

Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS): Complex mixture of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids forming the biofilm matrix.

Quorum sensing: Cell–cell communication mechanism that regulates gene expression in response to population density.

Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC): Lowest concentration of an antimicrobial that visibly inhibits microbial growth.

Zoonotic pathogen: Infectious agent capable of transmission between animals and humans.

References

1. Theaflavin Ameliorates Streptococcus suis-Induced Infection In Vitro and In Vivo. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
2. Comparative Proteomic Analysis Provides insight into the Key Proteins as Possible Targets Involved in Aspirin Inhibiting Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus xylosus. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2017).