, 2009a), however, might indicate the presence of a biofilm matrix in conventionally stained sections. Moreover, the investigation of novel stains specific for Ponatinib mw microbial biofilms is needed. Biofilm-specific biomarkers, such as antibodies, would also be desirable as a diagnostic tool; however, this is likely to be pathogen, not biofilm specific and possibly limited to certain anatomic
or surgically accessible sites. To date, no biofilm-specific antibodies are marketed. While there are some promising diagnostic technologies in development, it may be years until these diagnostics are certified for use in clinical laboratories (van Belkum et al., 2007). The guidelines presented in Table 4 are designed to provide a useful starting point for scientists and clinicians in distinguishing biofilm infections and a framework for discussion for further refinement and improvement by the larger biofilm and clinical community. Although providing evidence
from molecular markers that specific organisms are present, and microscopic evidence that a biofilm may be present, these may not be sufficient to demonstrate that the patient has a biofilm-associated disease without clinical signs and symptoms. Nonetheless, diagnostic guidelines are necessary to distinguish and verify a BAI as soon as possible, because evidence from CF suggests that biofilm infections that are left untreated are more recalcitrant to resolution (Döring et al., 2000; Döring & Høiby, 2004).
Additionally, diagnostic guidelines are essential for the evaluation Cisplatin datasheet of treatment regimes aimed at resolving BAI, because efficacy of antibiofilm treatment must indicate a significant reduction in bacteria as an outcome measure. BAI are difficult to diagnose because culture, although generally sufficient in acute disease, is not necessarily an accurate indicator of BAI. Thus, to investigate biofilms in vivo, identify an infectious etiology, or evaluate treatment, clear clinical signs and symptoms of BAI are also necessary. We have therefore combined criteria that biofilm microbiologists use to distinguish PIK3C2G microbial biofilm from planktonic modes of growth, with guidelines that clinicians use to evaluate laboratory results and clinical signs and symptoms of infections. These guidelines are useful not only for the clinician sampling the infection but also for clinical microbiologists handling these samples and emphasize that when there is a high clinical suspicion of infection, molecular tests should be ordered if possible in the face of culture-negative results to assess the possibility of BAI. “
“Leprosy is an infectious disease in which the clinical manifestations correlate with the type of immune response mounted to the pathogen, Mycobacterium leprae.