New Approaches to Control Infections: Anti-biofilm Strategies against Gram-negative Bacteria

Roman Sommer; Ines Joachim; Stefanie Wagner; Alexander Titz

doi:10.2533/chimia.2013.286

New Approaches to Control Infections: Anti-biofilm Strategies against Gram-negative Bacteria

Authors

Roman Sommer University of Konstanz Department of Chemistry and Zukunftskolleg Universitätsstrasse 10 D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
Ines Joachim University of Konstanz Department of Chemistry and Zukunftskolleg Universitätsstrasse 10 D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
Stefanie Wagner University of Konstanz Department of Chemistry and Zukunftskolleg Universitätsstrasse 10 D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
Alexander Titz University of Konstanz Department of Chemistry and Zukunftskolleg Universitätsstrasse 10 D-78457 Konstanz, Germany. alexander.titz@uni-konstanz.de

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2013.286

Keywords:

Adhesion, Biofilm, Infection, Quorum sensing, Lectins

Abstract

Hospital-acquired bacterial infections, especially with Gram-negative pathogens, present a major threat due to the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant strains. Targeting mechanisms of bacterial virulence has recently appeared as a promising new therapeutic paradigm. Biofilm formation is a bacterial lifestyle, which offers a survival advantage through its protective matrix against host immune defense and antibiotic treatment. Interfering with biogenesis of adhesive organelles, bacterial communication or carbohydrate-mediated adhesion as anti-biofilm strategies are reviewed.