This book covers the latest data available to understand the mechanisms causing the formation of single species fungal biofilms or polymicrobial biofilms involving fungal species; specific chapters present hot topics such as resistance mechanisms and composition and role of the matrix. Moreover, it reviews updated data on biofilms that contain yeasts or filamentous fungi and develop in the human body or in water and may cause infections. The latest available data for both diagnostic and treatment of infections associated to fungi growing in biofilms is also presented. The activity of antifungal and disinfectant agents against fungal biofilms is discussed in specific chapters and future treatments on natural sources are suggested. This book bridges the gap between basic and applied research. It is the result of many years of research work done by laboratories worldwide, all known for their expertise on fungal biofilms.

Inhalt

Part I Understanding the mechanisms that govern the development of biofilms involving fungal species.- 1. Aspergillus biofilms in human disease (C Williams).- 2. Candida albicans in multispecies oral communities; a keystone commensal ? *(MM Janus, H ME Willems, B P Krom).- 3. The extracellular matrix of fungal biofilms (KF Mitchell, R Zarnowski, D Andes).- 4. Fungal biofilms: update on resistance (E Borghi, F Borgo, G Morace).- 5. Fungi, water supply and biofilms (Catherine Kauffmann Lacroix, Damien Costa and Christine Imbert).- Part II Diagnostic, current and future treatment of biofilms involving fungi.- 6. Diagnostic of fungal infections related to biofilms (M Sanguinetti, B Posteraro).- 7. Disinfectants to fight oral Candida biofilms (ME Rodrigues, M Henriques, S Silva,).- 8. Updates on therapeutic strategies against Candida (and Aspergillus*) biofilms related infections (FK Muakkassa, M Ghannoum ).- 9. Natural sources as innovative solutions against fungal biofilms (M Girardot and C Imbert).