POLYMICROBIAL BIOFILMS AND THEIR CONTROL USING NATURAL AGENTS

Priya Ashrit, Vijayalakshmi V, Bindu Sadanandan

Abstract: Biofilms are microbial communities that show surface association and are enclosed in a matrix of Exopolysaccharide (EPS). It is now estimated that a significant proportion of all human microbial infections involve biofilm formation. Candida species are commensals of humans, which under stressful conditions becomes an opportunistic pathogen causing candidiasis. Biofilm formation also occurs on implanted medical devices such as stents, catheters, prosthetic materials, implants, pacemakers, endotracheal tubes etc. Biofilms in humansare often polymicrobial often consisting of Candidaand Bacteria like Staphylococcus,Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The clinical implications of these complex interactions between the pathogens would significant clinical impact in an immune-compromised individual. Biofilm species can exhibit antagonistic or synergistic behaviour. Research exploring polymicrobial interactions is significantdue to the failure of conventional drugs to penetrate biofilm. In such cases, herbs and spices like Garlic, Gooseberry, Clove, Cinnamon, Ginger, Turmeric, Neem, Tulsi are used as alternative therapy. These natural agents are not only cost effective but also have limited side effects. Microbial resistance is also not an issue with alternative therapy. Therefore current research focuses on identifying alternativeagents which can effectively controlpolymicrbial biofilms.

Keywords: Biofilms, Polymicrobial biofilm, Exopolysaccharide (EPS), Candida albicans, Staphylococcus,Herbs & Spices, natural agents

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0529008