Mixed Fungal Biofilms: From Mycobiota to Devices, a New Challenge on Clinical Practice

Abstract

Most current protocols for the diagnosis of fungal infections are based on culture-dependent methods that allow the evaluation of fungal morphology and the identification of the etiologic agent of mycosis. Most current protocols for the diagnosis of fungal infections are based on culture-dependent methods that enable the examination of the fungi for further identification of the etiological agent of the mycosis. The isolation of fungi from pure cultures is typically recommended, as when more than one species is identified, the second agent is considered a contaminant. Fungi mostly survive in highly organized communities that provoke changes in phenotypic profile, increase resistance to antifungals and environmental stresses, and facilitate evasion from the immune system. Mixed fungal biofilms (MFB) harbor more than one fungal species, wherein exchange can occur that potentialize the effects of these virulence factors. However, little is known about MFB and their role in infectious processes, particularly in terms of how each species may synergistically contribute to the pathogenesis. Here, we review fungi present in MFB that are commensals of the human body, forming the mycobiota, and how their participation in MFB affects the maintenance of homeostasis. In addition, we discuss how MFB are formed on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, thus being a significant reservoir of microorganisms that have already been associated in infectious processes of high morbidity and mortality.

Keywords

• medical device
• biotic surfaces
• co-colonization
• mixed infection
• co-habit