title: Bacterial coaggregation: an integral process in the development of multi-species biofilms.
abstract: Coaggregation is a process by which genetically distinct bacteria become attached to one another via specific molecules. Cumulative evidence suggests that such adhesion influences the development of complex multi-species biofilms. Once thought to occur exclusively between dental plaque bacteria, there are increasing reports of coaggregation between bacteria from other biofilm communities in several diverse habitats. A general role for coaggregation in the formation of multi-species biofilms is discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Manchester, Coupland III Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. AHRickard@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Alexander H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Rickard
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: Nicola J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: High
authors.forename: Paul E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Kolenbrander
authors.forename: Pauline S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Handley
mesh_terms: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology; D017753:Ecosystem; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009055:Mouth / Q000382:microbiology; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018829:Adhesins, Bacterial