Polymicrobial Infection (Biofilm)

Polymicrobial Infection (Biofilm)

1. Changes of form and function of bacteria

   • Regulated by gentic pathways - Response to environment triggers
     • Phase variable adhesin
       • Attachement
         • Adhered community
           • Autoaggregation Microcolony
             • Community Expansion
               • Quorum Sensing
                 • Exopolyscharride synthesis (polymeric)

2. Cell and environment heterogenicity

   • Layer of different types of bacteria, responding to different stresses (Mature biofilm)
     • Access to metabolism creates heterogenicity
       • Physiology of bacteria are different depending on enviroment layers

3. Multiplicity of phenotypic states in biofilm

   • Physical adaption (Gene regulation=
   • Stochastic gene swicthing
   • Genotypic Variation (Mutations that survive)

4. Survival of H. Influenza

   • Determined by interactions with other members of microflora (S. phenomiea eg.)
   • Environmental factors (pH, Nutrients, genetic variation of H. I)
     • Environment modified by all species present
       • Constant adaption and modification is required