Biofilm formation on medical devices is associated with hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections. Due to biofilms’ high tolerance to antibiotics, classical treatments lack efficacy, and removal of the biofilm-contaminated device is often the only therapeutic option. Hence, control of biofilms is a major concern with important health and economical issues. We developed in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate novel anti-biofilm strategies.
PREVENTING BIOFILM FORMATION
Studies of bacterial interactions within mixed communities revealed that bacteria produce non-biocidal anti-adhesion polysaccharides. These high-molecular weight polymers alter surface physico-chemical properties and prevent biofilm formation by a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. While these studies shed new light on competitive or cooperative behaviors affecting population dynamics, it suggests that anti-adhesion molecules, or other non-biocidal bio-inspired strategies could constitute a therapeutic alternative to limit biofilm formation on medical devices.
Recent articles on this topic
• Usui M*, Yokoo H, Tamura Y, Nakajima C, Suzuki Y, Ghigo JM, and Beloin C*. (2019). Zinc acetate potentiates the action of tosufloxacin on Escherichia coli biofilm persisters. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.May 24;63(6). pii: AAC.00069-19. doi: 10.1128/AAC.00069-19 print 2019 Jun. (*co-corresponding authors)
• Stressmann, F., E. Couvé-Deacon, D. Chainier, A. Chauhan, A. Wessel, S. Durand-Fontanier, M.C. Escande, I. Kriegel, B. François, M.C. Ploy, C. Beloin, and J.M. Ghigo. (2017). Comparative analysis of bacterial community composition and structure in clinically symptomatic and asymptomatic central venous catheters mSphere. Sep 27;2(5). pii: e00146-17. doi: 10.1128/mSphere.00146-17.
• Khanal, M.#, F. Larsonneur#, V. Raks, A. Barras, J.-S. Baumann, F.A. Martin, R. Boukherroub, J.M. Ghigo, C. Ortiz Mellet, V. Zaitsev, J.M. Garcia Fernandez, C. Beloin*, A..Siriwardena*, and S. Szunerits*. (2015). Inhibition of type 1 fimbriae-mediated Escherichia coli adhesion and biofilm formation by trimeric cluster thiomannosides conjugated to diamond nanoparticles. Nanoscale Feb 14;7(6): 2325-35. doi: 10.1039. (#equivalent contribution) (*co-corresponding authors).
Review on this topic
Balaban N, Helaine S, Lewis K, Levin B, Dehio C, Jenal U, Andersson D, Heinemann M, Tenson T, Bumann D, Michiels J, Zinkernagel A, Hardt WD, Tan MW, Storz G, Harms A, Van Melderen L, Collins J, Brynildsen M, Fortune S, Ghigo JM, Aldridge B, Ackermann M, Hung D, and Camilli A. (2019). Definitions and Guidelines for Research on Antibiotic Persistence. Nature Reviews Microbiology. Jul;17(7):441-448. doi:10.1038/s41579-019-0196-3.
Rendueles, O. and J.M. Ghigo. (2012). Multi-species biofilms: How to avoid unfriendly neighbors. FEMS Microbiology Reviews
ERADICATING BIOFILMS
We developed a clinically relevant in vivo model of catheter-associated biofilm infections to design and test biofilm-eradication approaches applicable to contaminated totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) catheters. We are currently developing protocols with collaborating clinicians to improve strategies to reduce the incidence of biofilm-associated infections on TIVAPs.
Recent articles on this topic
• Chauhan, A., J.M. Ghigo, and C. Beloin. (2016). Study of in vivo catheter biofilm infections using pediatric central venous catheter implanted in rat. Nature Protocols Mar;11(3):525-41. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2016.033.
• Chauhan A., D. Lebeaux, J.M. Ghigo, and C. Beloin. (2012). Full and broad-spectrum in vivo eradication of catheter-associated biofilms using Gentamicin-EDTA antibiotic lock therapy. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 56(12):6310-8. doi: 10.1128.
Review on this topic
• Lebeaux, D., J.M. Ghigo, and C. Beloin. (2014). Biofilm-related infections: bridging the gap between clinical management and fundamental aspects of recalcitrance towards antibiotics Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews Sep. 78(3):510-543. doi: 10.1128.
• Lebeaux, D.,N. Fernández-Hidalgo, A. Chauhan, S. Lee, J.M. Ghigo, B. Almirante, and C. Beloin. (2014). Management of infections related to totally implantable venous-access ports: challenges and perspectives. The Lancet Infectious Diseases Feb. 14(2):146-59. doi: 10.1016
Biofilm formation on medical devices is associated with hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections. Due to biofilms’ high tolerance to antibiotics, classical treatments lack efficacy, and removal of the biofilm-contaminated device is often the only therapeutic option. Hence, control of biofilms is a major concern with important health and economical issues. We developed in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate novel anti-biofilm strategies.
Recent articles on this topic
