The Role of Biofilms in the Pathogenesis of Animal Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Biofilms are bacterial aggregates embedded in a self-produced, protective matrix. The biofilm lifestyle offers resilience to external threats such as the immune system, antimicrobials, and other treatments. It is therefore not surprising that biofilms have been observed to be present in a number of bacterial infections. This review describes biofilm-associated bacterial infections in most body systems of husbandry animals, including fish, as well as in sport and companion animals. The biofilms have been observed in the auditory, cardiovascular, central nervous, digestive, integumentary, reproductive, respiratory, urinary, and visual system. A number of potential roles that biofilms can play in disease pathogenesis are also described. Biofilms can induce or regulate local inflammation. For some bacterial species, biofilms appear to facilitate intracellular invasion. Biofilms can also obstruct the healing process by acting as a physical barrier. The long-term protection of bacteria in biofilms can contribute to chronic subclinical infections, Furthermore, a biofilm already present may be used by other pathogens to avoid elimination by the immune system. This review shows the importance of acknowledging the role of biofilms in animal bacterial infections, as this influences both diagnostic procedures and treatment.

Emerging Approaches for Mitigating Biofilm-Formation-Associated Infections in Farm, Wild, and Companion Animals

“…are known to form biofilms in the respiratory mucosa of animals, leading to bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung abscesses. Respiratory biofilm-related infections are of significant concern in livestock farming and captive animal facilities [ 3 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…This resistance often leads to chronic infections, in farm, companion, and wild animals, affecting their overall health and welfare. These persistent infections may cause discomfort, pain, and reduced reproductive success, impacting the quality of life for individual animals [ 3 ].…”

“…The impact of biofilms on companion animals can be significant and has implications for both the health of the animals and the challenges faced by veterinarians in diagnoses and treatment. Biofilm-associated infections are resistant to conventional antibiotic therapy [ 1 , 3 ]. The protective matrix of the biofilm limits the effectiveness of antibiotics, making it difficult to completely eradicate the infection.…”

“…Biofilm-forming microorganisms in animals may serve as reservoirs for potential zoonotic pathogens, posing risks to human health [ 3 ]. Studying and managing biofilms in farm, companion, and wild animals contribute to preventing the transmission of infectious diseases between animals and humans.…”

Identification and Characterization of Arcanobacterium canis from Companion Animals in Germany and The United Kingdom

“…Like several species in diverse environments, like those belonging to the Corynebacterium and Trueperella genera, Arcanobacterium species are typically non-pathogenic [5][6][7] . Still, they can occasionally take advantage of unusual access to tissues, such as through wounds [5,8] or when the host's defenses are weakened [9,10] . Taxonomic revision of this genus was conducted in 2011 [11] .…”