Yeast Biofilms

Yeast biofilms are an escalating clinical problem, which affect both the healthy and immunocompromised, and are related to significant rates of mortality within hospitalized patients. Candida albicans is the most notorious yeast biofilm former and as a result the most widely studied; however, other Candida species and yeasts such as Cryptococcus neoformans are also implicated in biofilm-associated infections. Yeast biofilms have distinct developmental phases, including adhesion, colonization, maturation and dispersal, which have been examined utilizing various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Furthermore, the complex molecular events governing biofilm development are slowly being elucidated, including the role of quorum sensing. Clinically, biofilms act as reservoirs for systemic infection, and also induce localized pathology and tissue damage. However, the key virulence factor is their recalcitrance to antifungal therapy. This chapter will discuss our current understanding of the role that yeast biofilms play in the clinical setting