The Role of Biofilm formation in pathogenesis
The ability to form biofilms confers additional advantages including antimicrobial resistance and evasion of host defences. We are investigating how biofilm formation is involved Bcc pathogenesis. In the area of biofilm formation by Bcc, we have already shown that Bcc pathogens are more resistant to many antibiotics used in treatment of CF lung infections when grown as biofilms (Caraher et al., EJCMID 2007).
We have shown that lactoferrin in combination with certain antibiotics enhances their effectiveness against Bcc biofilms (Caraher et al., JAC 2007).
We are currently examining mechanisms of biofilm formation and development, using a continuous flow cell system together with confocal microscopy and molecular biology. There are currently two post graduates students (funded by PRTLI Cycle 4, PRDSP Strand III and ITT Dublin) working in this area. The continuous flow cell system technique will be established at ITT Dublin following one month of training in the laboratory of Prof Leo Eberl, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
