title: Fungal Biofilms: In Vivo Models for Discovery of Anti-Biofilm Drugs.
abstract: During infection, fungi frequently transition to a biofilm lifestyle, proliferating as communities of surface-adherent aggregates of cells. Phenotypically, cells in a biofilm are distinct from free-floating cells. Their high tolerance of antifungals and ability to withstand host defenses are two characteristics that foster resilience. Biofilm infections are particularly difficult to eradicate, and most available antifungals have minimal activity. Therefore, the discovery of novel compounds and innovative strategies to treat fungal biofilms is of great interest. Although many fungi have been observed to form biofilms, the most well-studied is Candida albicans. Animal models have been developed to simulate common Candida device-associated infections, including those involving vascular catheters, dentures, urinary catheters, and subcutaneous implants. Models have also reproduced the most common mucosal biofilm infections: oropharyngeal and vaginal candidiasis. These models incorporate the anatomical site, immune components, and fluid dynamics of clinical niches and have been instrumental in the study of drug resistance and investigation of novel therapies. This chapter describes the significance of fungal biofilm infections, the animal models developed for biofilm study, and how these models have contributed to the development of new strategies for the eradication of fungal biofilm infections.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53706.
authors.forename: Jeniel E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Nett
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI 53706.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: R Andes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D057785:Catheters / Q000382:microbiology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D003778:Dentures / Q000382:microbiology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D025141:Drug Resistance, Fungal; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000382:microbiology*; D013282:Stomatitis, Denture / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents