肠球菌以其形成生物膜的能力而闻名,这有助于他们在极端环境中生存,并参与持续的细菌感染,特别是在多重耐药菌株的情况下。这篇综述旨在全面了解临床上重要物种如粪肠球菌和研究较少但越来越多药耐药的屎肠球菌的生物膜形成机制,并探索根除它们的潜在策略。肠球菌中的生物膜形成涉及基因和毒力因子的复杂相互作用,包括明胶酶,细胞溶素,分泌的抗原A,pili,识别粘合剂基质分子(MSCRAMs)的微生物表面成分,和DNA释放。法定人数感应,细胞间通讯的过程,由肽信息素介导,如Cob,CCF,还有Cpd,通过靶向基因表达和调控在协调生物膜发育中起着至关重要的作用。此外,细胞外DNA(eDNA)释放的调节已成为生物膜形成的基本组成部分。在粪肠球菌中,自溶素N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶和蛋白酶如明胶酶和血清蛋白酶是这一过程中的关键参与者,影响生物膜发育和毒力。靶向eDNA可能为干预产生生物膜的粪肠球菌感染提供有希望的途径。总的来说,深入了解肠球菌中生物膜形成的复杂机制可能为抗生物膜治疗研究提供方向,目的是减轻肠球菌相关感染的负担。
Enterococcus species are known for their ability to form biofilms, which contributes to their survival in extreme environments and involvement in persistent bacterial infections, especially in the case of multi-drug-resistant strains. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation in clinically important species such as Enterococcus faecalis and the less studied but increasingly multi-drug-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and explores potential strategies for their eradication. Biofilm formation in Enterococcus involves a complex interplay of genes and virulence factors, including gelatinase, cytolysin, Secreted antigen A, pili, microbial surface components that recognize adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs), and DNA release. Quorum sensing, a process of intercellular communication, mediated by peptide pheromones such as Cob, Ccf, and Cpd, plays a crucial role in coordinating biofilm development by targeting gene expression and regulation. Additionally, the regulation of extracellular DNA (eDNA) release has emerged as a fundamental component in biofilm formation. In E. faecalis, the autolysin N-acetylglucosaminidase and proteases such as gelatinase and serin protease are key players in this process, influencing biofilm development and virulence. Targeting eDNA may offer a promising avenue for intervention in biofilm-producing E. faecalis infections. Overall, gaining insights into the intricate mechanisms of biofilm formation in Enterococcus may provide directions for anti-biofilm therapeutic research, with the purpose of reducing the burden of Enterococcus-associated infections.