Abstract

The role of biofilms in pathogenicity and treatment strategies is often neglected in mycobacterial infections. In recent years, the emergence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections has necessitated the development of novel prophylactic strategies and elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the establishment of chronic infections. More importantly, the question arises whether members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex can form biofilms and contribute to latent tuberculosis and drug resistance because of the long-lasting and recalcitrant nature of its infections. This review discusses some of the molecular mechanisms by which biofilms could play a role in infection or pathological events in humans.

摘要

生物膜在致病性和治疗策略中的作用在分枝杆菌感染中经常被忽视。近年来，非结核分枝杆菌感染的出现使得开发新的预防策略和阐明慢性感染的潜在机制成为必要。更重要的是，结核分枝杆菌复合群的成员是否会形成生物膜并导致潜伏性结核和耐药性，因为其感染的持久性和顽固性存在问题。本综述讨论了生物膜在人类感染或病理事件中发挥作用的一些分子机制。