PNEUMOCOCCAL BIOFILMS AS A FORM OF PERSISTENCE: FORMATION, STRUCTURE, ROLE IN PATHOGENESIS, IMMUNE RESPONSE

Abstract

A review of studies on pneumococcal biofilms as a form of persistence is presented. The following provisions are examined: formation of pneumococcal biofilm on abiotic and mucosal surfaces, pathogenetic significance of biofilm pneumococci, their immunogenicity, as well as resistance to antibiotics and unfavorable environmental factors. Differences between biofilm properties, that are formed in vivo and in vitro, are shown. The significance of pneumococcal biofilm formation as means of survival for a long time is underscored.

Keywords

• persistence
• pneumococcus
• biofilms