What is the formation of biofilms and their potential for causing infection?

Answer 1

Formation of a biofilm begins with the attachment of free-floating microorganisms to a surface. These first colonists adhere to the surface initially through weak, reversible van der Waals forces. If the colonists are not immediately separated from the surface, they can anchor themselves more permanently using cell adhesion structures such as pili.

Biofilms have been found to be involved in a wide variety of microbial infections in the body, by one estimate 80% of all infections.[18] Infectious processes in which biofilms have been implicated include common problems such as urinary tract infections, catheter infections, middle-ear infections, formation of dental plaque,[19] gingivitis,[19] coating contact lenses,[20] and less common but more lethal processes such as endocarditis, infections in cystic fibrosis, and infections of permanent indwelling devices such as joint prostheses and heart valves.[21][22] More recently it has been noted that bacterial biofilms may impair cutaneous wound healing and reduce topical antibacterial efficiency in healing or treating infected skin wounds.

Answer 2

Biofilms are formed when microorganisms adhere to surfaces and produce a protective matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. In medical settings, biofilms on implanted devices or tissues can lead to chronic infections that are resistant to antibiotics. The complex structure of biofilms offers protection to bacteria, making them harder to eradicate and increasing the risk of persistent infections.