Unexplored reservoirs of pathogenic bacteria: protozoa and biofilms.

摘要

In the natural, industrial, hospital and domestic environments, there are numerous phenotypes of pathogenic microorganisms, which vary considerably in chemical, physical and biological properties. A link exists between survival, resistance and virulence. In particular, surface-adherent biofilms and bacteria living within protozoa pose potential health problems that are unrecognized by conventional laboratory culture methods.