Role of efflux pumps in the antibiotic resistance of bacteria embedded in a biofilm

Virulence. 2013 Apr 1;4(3):223-9. doi: 10.4161/viru.23724. Epub 2013 Feb 4.

Abstract

Biofilms are complex microbial associations anchored to abiotic or biotic surfaces, embedded in extracellular matrix produced by the biofilms themselves where they interact with each other and the environment. One of the main properties of biofilms is their capacity to be more resistant to antimicrobial agents than planktonic cells. Efflux pumps have been reported as one of the mechanisms responsible for the antimicrobial resistance in biofilm structures. Evidence of the role of efflux pump in biofilm resistance has been found in several microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. However, in spite of the studies on the importance of efflux pumps in biofilm growth and about their relevance in antimicrobial resistance forming biofilm, the exact role of these efflux systems has not been determined as yet.

Keywords: RND family; antimicrobial resistance; biofilm; efflux pump inhibitors; efflux pumps.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Biofilms* / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins