The Emerging Role of Iron Acquisition in Biofilm-Associated Infections

Trends Microbiol. 2021 Sep;29(9):772-775. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.02.009. Epub 2021 Mar 8.

Abstract

A possible association between iron and biofilm formation has been explored for a long time. Here, we focus on major recent advances that shed light on the mechanisms behind this relationship and discuss how siderophore-mediated iron acquisition may impact the virulence of important nosocomial pathogens.

Keywords: biofilms; iron; nosocomial infections; siderophores; virulence.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Bacteria / pathogenicity
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Biofilms*
  • Humans
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • Siderophores / metabolism
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Siderophores
  • Iron