Open AccessUnderstanding the Complex Phage-Host Interactions in Biofilm Communities
Author(s) -
Diana Priscila Penso Pires,
Luís D. R. Melo,
Joana Azeredo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annual review of virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.605
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 2327-0578
pISSN - 2327-056X
DOI - 10.1146/annurev-virology-091919-074222
Subject(s) - biofilm , biology , host (biology) , bacteriophage , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , ecology , genetics , gene , escherichia coli
Bacteriophages and bacterial biofilms are widely present in natural environments, a fact that has accelerated the evolution of phages and their bacterial hosts in these particular niches. Phage-host interactions in biofilm communities are rather complex, where phages are not always merely predators but also can establish symbiotic relationships that induce and strengthen biofilms. In this review we provide an overview of the main features affecting phage-biofilm interactions as well as the currently available methods of studying these interactions. In addition, we address the applications of phages for biofilm control in different contexts.