title: Staphylococcus aureus biofilms: properties, regulation, and roles in human disease.
abstract: Increasing attention has been focused on understanding bacterial biofilms and this growth modality's relation to human disease. In this review we explore the genetic regulation and molecular components involved in biofilm formation and maturation in the context of the Gram-positive cocci, Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, we discuss diseases and host immune responses, along with current therapies associated with S. aureus biofilm infections and prevention strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Dental School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Nathan K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Archer
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mazaitis
authors.forename: J William
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Costerton
authors.forename: Jeff G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Leid
authors.forename: Mary Elizabeth
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Powers
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Shirtliff
mesh_terms: D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity*