Infections are traditionally regarded as mono-pathogenic. This attitude hampers our understanding of polymicrobial processes. Due to cooperation, polymicrobials demonstrate properties different to each of the participating species, deliberately colonize surfaces in a hostile environment, and act similarly to true multicellular organisms. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a remarkable example of that. Clue cells from vaginal secretions of women with bacterial vaginosis are covered with a prolific polymicrobial biofilm. While none of the involved microbial species are able to cause a disease on their own, the established polymicrobial BV-biofilm is extremely stable, drug resistant, growing and being transfected per continuum.
The aim of the proposed topic is to reveal the secrets of bacterial vaginosis; such as biofilm formation, propagation, transfection, and clinical implications.
Infections are traditionally regarded as mono-pathogenic. This attitude hampers our understanding of polymicrobial processes. Due to cooperation, polymicrobials demonstrate properties different to each of the participating species, deliberately colonize surfaces in a hostile environment, and act similarly to true multicellular organisms. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a remarkable example of that. Clue cells from vaginal secretions of women with bacterial vaginosis are covered with a prolific polymicrobial biofilm. While none of the involved microbial species are able to cause a disease on their own, the established polymicrobial BV-biofilm is extremely stable, drug resistant, growing and being transfected per continuum.
The aim of the proposed topic is to reveal the secrets of bacterial vaginosis; such as biofilm formation, propagation, transfection, and clinical implications.