Bacterial colonization

“Bacterial colonization” describes the process by which bacteria adhere to, grow on, and persist within surfaces, tissues, or devices, irreversibly establishing stable and dynamic microbial populations. This event can be benign and mutually beneficial (as with gut microbiota) or serve as a reservoir for subsequent infection, particularly in susceptible individuals or contexts (e.g., medical device colonization, immunocompromised hosts). The transition from colonization to infection is determined by host immunity, bacterial virulence factors, and environmental context. Mechanisms underlying colonization include bacterial surface adherence structures (fimbriae, pili, capsules), biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and the exploitation of host nutrients. In clinical and research settings, “bacterial colonization” is an important concept in understanding the onset and prevention of infectious diseases, particularly in hospital settings, newborn microbiota development, and the study of commensal-pathogen dynamics.

Other names

Colonization by bacteriaBacterial microbiota establishmentBacterial settlement