Unraveling the interplay between unicellular parasites and bacterial biofilms: Implications for disease persistence and antibiotic resistance

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms have attracted significant attention due to their involvement in persistent infections, food and water contamination, and infrastructure corrosion. This review delves into the intricate interactions between bacterial biofilms and unicellular parasites, shedding light on their impact on biofilm formation, structure, and function. Unicellular parasites, including protozoa, influence bacterial biofilms through grazing activities, leading to adaptive changes in bacterial communities. Moreover, parasites like Leishmania and Giardia can shape biofilm composition in a grazing independent manner, potentially influencing disease outcomes. Biofilms, acting as reservoirs, enable the survival of protozoan parasites against environmental stressors and antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, these biofilms may influence parasite virulence and stress responses, posing challenges in disease treatment. Interactions between unicellular parasites and fungal-containing biofilms is also discussed, hinting at complex microbial relationships in various ecosystems. Understanding these interactions offers insights into disease mechanisms and antibiotic resistance dissemination, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies and ecosystem-level implications.

Introducing CRC SAAFE: a new Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) focused on managing AMR in agriculture and the environment

“…26 With increasing AMR in these environmentally sourced, opportunistic pathogens, [27][28][29][30] the role of free-living amoebae in facilitating horizontal gene transfer in biofilms is of growing interest. 31,32 SAAFE research is exploring quantitative microbial risk assessment approaches 33 using novel AMR-pathogen dose-response models, 34 to better understand these kinds of risks, which are also relevant across the broader One Health AMR spectrum.…”