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Biofilm formation by Streptococcus pneumoniae

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Abstract

We describe the formation of biofilm by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Virtually all wild-type pneumococci are able to form a biofilm. Pneumococcal capsule can reduce biofilm production. The propensity to form biofilms has a reverse correlation with the amount of capsule material. Invasive pneumococcal isolates and noninvasive strains that persist in the nasopharynx have different biofilm potentials. In this review, we discuss a number of issues in respect to the effector and regulatory factors in the formation and maintenance of pneumococcal biofilms. Based on the reviewed studies, we conclude that pneumococcus benefits from biofilm phenotype only in the context of a persistent chronic infection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia

    A. N. Mayanskiy

  2. Scientific Center of Children Health, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia

    I. V. Chebotar, A. V. Lazareva & N. A. Mayanskiy

Authors
  1. A. N. Mayanskiy
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  2. I. V. Chebotar
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  3. A. V. Lazareva
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  4. N. A. Mayanskiy
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Correspondence to A. N. Mayanskiy.

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Original Russian Text © A.N. Mayanskiy, I.V. Chebotar, A.V. Lazareva, N.A. Mayanskiy, 2015, published in Molekulyarnaya Genetika, Mikrobiologiya i Virusologiya, 2015, No. 3, pp. 16–22.

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Mayanskiy, A.N., Chebotar, I.V., Lazareva, A.V. et al. Biofilm formation by Streptococcus pneumoniae . Mol. Genet. Microbiol. Virol. 30, 124–131 (2015). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0891416815030040

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