Human polymorphonuclear leukocyte response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown in biofilms

Abstract

The interaction of human neutrophils with Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms was examined by using a chemiluminescence assay. The biofilms induced an oxidative burst response by polymorphonuclear leukocytes which was slow and only 25% of the response to planktonic bacteria. The reduced response to P. aeruginosa biofilms could play a role in the persistence of bacteria in chronic infections.