REVIEWS   

Esperienze Dermatologiche 2015 December;17(4):163-6

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Microbial biofilms in dermatology: a matter of skin

Di Domenico E. G.

Department of Clinical Pathology and Microbiology, San Gallicano Dermatology Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy

Biofilm-related infections have become a major healthcare and clinical concern due to their tolerance to antimicrobial therapy, and to host-defence mechanisms. In the field of dermatology the impact of microbial biofilms has been only recently emphasized. Several studies have investigated the role of microbial biofilm respectively in the cutaneous wound healing, in the acne vulgaris and in atopic dermatitis. Moreover, recurrent and persistent Candida infections have been associated to the presence of biofilms, whereas microbial biofilms may contribute to the adverse reactions to fillers. Thus, better understanding the role of microbial biofilms and the host responses can be highly beneficial to improve the clinical signs and symptoms and to provide specific therapies for challenging dermatologic conditions.