Biofilms in human health

Abstract

Biofilm is a surface-attached cluster of microorganisms rooted and proliferating in a self-fabricated matrix of polymeric materials. Bacteria existing in biofilms can be more resilient in comparison with their free-floating counterparts to antimicrobials. Biofilms play a substantial role in human disease transmission and perseverance, especially for inert surface-related disease, like cases of infections related to medical devices for internal or external use. Due to their better resistance against macrophages and antibiotics in comparison to free living cells, biofilm-triggered infections on implants are difficult to eradicate. While the formation of biofilms is largely understood, the means of eliminating and controlling them once they have been formed are still the subject of research. Biofilms associated in medicine are particularly difficult to handle due to the sensitivity of the human tissue and medical devices. The chapter aims at discussing biofilm development, their influence on human health and difficulties related to biofilm control.