Toxin–antitoxin systems and biofilm formation in bacteria

ISSN Biofilms usually occur on or within medical devices such as mechanical heart valves, prosthetic joints, peritoneal dialysis catheters, contact lenses, central venous catheters, pacemakers and urinary catheters. The presence of biofilms can be seen in different diseases like endocarditis, otitis, cystic fibrosis, periodontitis, osteomyelitis and chronic wounds. Toxin–antitoxin systems are reported to respond to stresses that are also found in the host. Some toxins of toxin–antitoxin systems modules have been proposed as potential weapons used by bacteria to act on host targets. In this review, we focus on the most recent evidence that connect toxin–antitoxin systems with bacterial biofilm. Copyright 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.