Biofilms and Implication in Medical Devices in Humans and Animals

Abstract

The increasing use of medical devices in modern medicine, from surgi- cal sutures to indwelling tubes for feeding or catheterization, has been accompanied by a rise in device-related infections. Many such devices provide an ideal surface to which microorganisms can attach and form biofilms. Biofilm infections are extremely difficult to eradicate and, therefore, are a serious concern, often associated with increased mortality and morbidity. This chapter aims to describe some of the processes behind the development of biofilms on medical devices, and provide examples of biofilm-related infections from human and veterinary medicine.