Microbial biofilms and chronic wounds: facts and speculation

What is it about?

Today we know from numerous in vitro and in vivo biofilm related observations that persistent wound infections contain microbial aggregates of varying sizes, as well as single cells (Figure 1). We know that the microorganisms in these aggregates are in close proximity and possibly surrounded by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). We also know that these aggregates withstand very high doses of antibiotics which kill planktonic cells (fast growing cells in laboratory cultures). Furthermore, they demonstrate an enhanced ability to evade host immune defenses compared to planktonic cells. These characteristics are well-recognised hallmarks of biofilms, as defined in the literature.

Featured Image