Pathogen co-aggregation

Pathogen co-aggregation is a biological process where genetically distinct microorganisms adhere to one another through specific molecular interactions, typically involving protein adhesins on one cell and carbohydrate or protein receptors on another (NIH, 2024; ResearchGate, 2026). This phenomenon is a critical precursor to the formation of complex multi-species biofilms, which are prevalent in conditions such as dental plaque, chronic wounds, and respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis (Frontiers, 2025; MDPI, 2024). By facilitating the assembly of microbial communities, co-aggregation allows pathogens to colonize host surfaces more effectively and provides protection against environmental stressors and antimicrobial agents (NIH, 2024). Therapeutic strategies targeting this process include the use of probiotics that competitively co-aggregate with pathogens to prevent their attachment, as well as small molecules or physical therapies like photothermal therapy (PTT) designed to disrupt existing microbial clusters (Frontiers, 2025; ResearchGate, 2026). Furthermore, the disruption of these interactions can be achieved through the use of competitive inhibitors like D-galactose or broad-spectrum antiseptics like chlorhexidine (MDPI, 2024). Understanding the specific adhesin-receptor pairs involved in co-aggregation is essential for developing targeted anti-infective treatments that can prevent biofilm-associated diseases without broadly disrupting the host's healthy microbiome (MDPI, 2024).

Other names

Microbial co-aggregationInterspecies adhesionBacterial co-aggregationInter-microbial adhesion

Inhibition of inter-species microbial adhesion and competitive exclusion from host niches.