Biofilm formation: a clinically relevant microbiological process

RM Donlan - Clinical infectious diseases, 2001 - academic.oup.com
RM Donlan
Clinical infectious diseases, 2001academic.oup.com
Microorganisms universally attach to surfaces and produce extracellular polysaccharides,
resulting in the formation of a biofilm. Biofilms pose a serious problem for public health
because of the increased resistance of biofilm-associated organisms to antimicrobial agents
and the potential for these organisms to cause infections in patients with indwelling medical
devices. An appreciation of the role of biofilms in infection should enhance the clinical
decision-making process.
Abstract
Microorganisms universally attach to surfaces and produce extracellular polysaccharides, resulting in the formation of a biofilm. Biofilms pose a serious problem for public health because of the increased resistance of biofilm-associated organisms to antimicrobial agents and the potential for these organisms to cause infections in patients with indwelling medical devices. An appreciation of the role of biofilms in infection should enhance the clinical decision-making process.
Oxford University Press