Biofilm aggravates antibiotic resistance

Abstract

It is possible for a variety of bacteria, including pathogens, to form biofilms, which serve as a mechanism for these organisms to defend themselves against antimicrobial agents in the environment.In order to explain this phenomenon of resistance within biofilms, several mechanisms have been proposed.These include delayed penetration of the antimicrobial into the biofilm extracellular matrix, slowing of the growth rate of organisms within the biofilm, and other physiologic changes brought about by interaction of the organisms with a surface.The existence of bacteria within a self-produced polymeric matrix, known as a biofilm, is another old survival strategy that is still used to this day. Biofilms, in a similar way, enable bacteria to adapt to their environment and promote the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between different bacterial species.Because of its ability to spread antibiotic resistance genes as well as its innate phenotypic tolerance to antibiotics, biofilm must be considered synonymous with antibiotic resistance. Despite the fact that environmental biofilm does not fall under the current definition of antimicrobial stewardship, increased awareness of the existence, prevalence, and consequences of environmental biofilm among healthcare practitioners is critical to improving hygiene practises and preventing the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance in healthcare facilities.