Abstract

Biofilms formation stands out in context of persistent intestinal infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae, which are associated with a high resistance to antimicrobial agents’ and phagocytosis by host defense cells. Hence, understanding the mechanisms involved in this process becomes major for the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies. Lactic acid bacteria, including species of the genus Lactobacillus, have been associated with the prevention or dispersion of biofilms formed by pathogenic microorganisms. This effect is often associated with the antimicrobial substances production, among them organic acids, bacteriocins, hydrogen peroxide and biorsurfactants. However, the antibiofilm action of Lactobacillus seems to be strain-specific and may not be demonstrated by strains of the same genus. Thus, diet supplementation with beneficial microorganisms represents a possible strategy for prevention and treatment of intestinal infectious diseases, such as persistent or acute diarrhea caused by enteropathogenic bacteria. However, in vitro and in vivo further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of different probiotic candidates, including commercially available products.

Keyword: Enterobacteria, biofilm, lactobacillus, antimicrobials.