Biomaterial Database

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae biofilms: role in chronic airway infections. 2012

W Edward Swords

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC, USA. wswords@wakehealth.edu

Like many pathogens inhabiting mucosal surfaces, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) forms multicellular biofilm communities both in vitro and in various infection models. In the past 15 years much has been learned about determinants of biofilm formation by this organism and potential roles in bacterial virulence, especially in the context of chronic and recurrent infections. However, this concept has not been without some degree of controversy, and in the past some have expressed doubts about the relevance of NTHi biofilms to disease. In this review, I will summarize the present information on the composition and potential role(s) of NTHi biofilms in different clinical contexts, as well as highlight potential areas for future work.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009092	Mucous Membrane	An EPITHELIUM with MUCUS-secreting cells, such as GOBLET CELLS. It forms the lining of many body cavities, such as the DIGESTIVE TRACT, the RESPIRATORY TRACT, and the reproductive tract. Mucosa, rich in blood and lymph vessels, comprises an inner epithelium, a middle layer (lamina propria) of loose CONNECTIVE TISSUE, and an outer layer (muscularis mucosae) of SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS that separates the mucosa from submucosa.	Lamina Propria,Mucosa,Mucosal Tissue,Muscularis Mucosae,Mucous Membranes,Membrane, Mucous,Membranes, Mucous,Mucosae, Muscularis,Mucosal Tissues,Propria, Lamina,Tissue, Mucosal,Tissues, Mucosal
D010033	Otitis Media	Inflammation of the MIDDLE EAR including the AUDITORY OSSICLES and the EUSTACHIAN TUBE.	Middle Ear Inflammation,Inflammation, Middle Ear
D012141	Respiratory Tract Infections	Invasion of the host RESPIRATORY SYSTEM by microorganisms, usually leading to pathological processes or diseases.	Respiratory System Infections,Upper Respiratory Tract Infection,Upper Respiratory Tract Infections,Infections, Respiratory,Infections, Respiratory Tract,Infections, Upper Respiratory,Infections, Upper Respiratory Tract,Respiratory Infections,Upper Respiratory Infections,Infection, Respiratory System,Infection, Respiratory Tract,Respiratory Infection, Upper,Respiratory System Infection,Respiratory Tract Infection
D006192	Haemophilus Infections	Infections with bacteria of the genus HAEMOPHILUS.	Hemophilus Infections,Haemophilus influenzae Infection,Haemophilus influenzae Type b Infection,Hib Infection,Infections, Haemophilus,Infections, Hemophilus,Haemophilus Infection,Haemophilus influenzae Infections,Hemophilus Infection,Hib Infections,Infection, Haemophilus,Infection, Haemophilus influenzae,Infection, Hemophilus,Infection, Hib
D006193	Haemophilus influenzae	A species of HAEMOPHILUS found on the mucous membranes of humans and a variety of animals. The species is further divided into biotypes I through VIII.	Bacterium influenzae,Coccobacillus pfeifferi,Haemophilus meningitidis,Hemophilus influenzae,Influenza-bacillus,Mycobacterium influenzae
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012852	Sinusitis	Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in one or more of the PARANASAL SINUSES.	Sinus Infections,Infection, Sinus,Infections, Sinus,Sinus Infection,Sinusitides
D014774	Virulence	The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host. The pathogenic capacity of an organism is determined by its VIRULENCE FACTORS.	Pathogenicity
D018441	Biofilms	Encrustations formed from microbes (bacteria, algae, fungi, plankton, or protozoa) embedded in an EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCE MATRIX that is secreted by the microbes. They occur on body surfaces such as teeth (DENTAL DEPOSITS); inanimate objects, and bodies of water. Biofilms are prevented from forming by treating surfaces with DENTIFRICES; DISINFECTANTS; ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS; and anti-fouling agents.	Biofilm
D020545	Respiratory Mucosa	The mucous membrane lining the RESPIRATORY TRACT, including the NASAL CAVITY; the LARYNX; the TRACHEA; and the BRONCHI tree. The respiratory mucosa consists of various types of epithelial cells ranging from ciliated columnar to simple squamous, mucous GOBLET CELLS, and glands containing both mucous and serous cells.	Respiratory Epithelium,Epithelium, Respiratory,Mucosa, Respiratory