title: Candida albicansMycofilms SupportStaphylococcus aureusColonization and Enhances Miconazole Resistance in Dual-Species Interactions.
abstract: Polymicrobial inter-kingdom biofilm infections represent a clinical management conundrum. The presence of co-isolation of bacteria and fungi complicates the ability to routinely administer single antimicrobial regimens, and synergy between the microorganisms influences infection severity. We therefore investigated the nosocomial pathogensStaphylococcus aureusandCandida albicanswith respect to antimicrobial intervention. We characterized the interaction using biofilm assays and evaluated the effect of miconazole treatment usingin vitroandin vivoassays. Finally, we assessed the impact of biofilm extracellular matrix (ECM) on these interactions. Data indicated that theC. albicansmycofilms supported adhesion and colonization byS. aureusthrough close interactions with hyphal elements, significantly increasingS. aureusbiofilm formation throughout biofilm maturation. Miconazole sensitivity was shown to be reduced in both mono- and dual-species biofilms compared to planktonic cells. Within a three-dimensional biofilm model sensitivity was also hindered.Galleria mellonellasurvival analysis showed both enhanced pathogenicity of the dual-species infection, which was concomitantly desensitized to miconazole treatment. Analysis of the ECM revealed the importance of extracellular DNA, which supported the adhesion ofS. aureusand the development of the dual-species biofilm structures. Collectively, these data highlight the clinical importance of dual-species inter-kingdom biofilm infections, though also provides translational opportunities to manage them more effectively.
authors.affiliation: Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School - School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgow, UK; Institute of Healthcare Policy and Practise - Institute of Healthcare Associated Infection, University of the West of ScotlandPaisley, UK.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kean
authors.affiliation: Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School - School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Ranjith
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rajendran
authors.affiliation: Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Haggarty
authors.affiliation: Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School - School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgow, UK; Institute of Healthcare Policy and Practise - Institute of Healthcare Associated Infection, University of the West of ScotlandPaisley, UK.
authors.forename: Eleanor M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Townsend
authors.affiliation: Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School - School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgow, UK; Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Bryn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Short
authors.affiliation: Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Karl E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Burgess
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.affiliation: Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Owain
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Millington
authors.affiliation: Institute of Healthcare Policy and Practise - Institute of Healthcare Associated Infection, University of the West of Scotland Paisley, UK.
authors.forename: William G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Mackay
authors.affiliation: Institute of Healthcare Policy and Practise - Institute of Healthcare Associated Infection, University of the West of Scotland Paisley, UK.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School - School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ramage
keywords: Candida albicans; Staphylococcus aureus; biofilm; extracellular DNA; miconazole