Parasites and Biofilms: Can they work together?
The biofilm question: Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced extracellular matrix. They are best established in bacteria and fungi, where the matrix can protect organisms from environmental stress, immune attack and antimicrobial exposure. Parasites are fundamentally different organisms, so it is scientifically inaccurate to describe parasites themselves as simply "biofilm-forming organisms." However, parasites can interact with microorganisms living within the same host environment, and some parasitic infections can alter the microbial community and its surrounding extracellular environment.
What exactly is a biofilm? A biofilm is not simply a layer of bacteria. It is a highly organised microbial community surrounded by a matrix containing polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, extracellular DNA and other molecules. This matrix can promote attachment to surfaces, communication between microbes, nutrient exchange and increased tolerance to environmental stresses.
Where parasites enter the picture: Parasites and microorganisms frequently share the same biological niches. The intestinal tract is an obvious example, where helminths and protozoa coexist with enormous microbial communities. A parasite can change mucus production, nutrient availability, intestinal motility and immune signalling. These changes may influence which bacteria thrive and how microbial communities organise themselves.
