Biofilmes bacterianos patogênicos: aspectos gerais, importância clínica e estratégias de combate1

Abstract

It is estimated that 80% of human infections are associated with bacterial biofilms, especially those related to medical implants, such as catheters and prostheses. Due to the increasing life expectancy, greater is the need for replacement of biological functions, thereby increasing the number of people who will receive some implantable medical device. Therefore, great efforts are aimed at seeking therapies, which are capable of preventing or eradicating pathogenic biofilms, including the search for new compounds, new action mechanisms and the design of materials presenting anti-infective surfaces. This review focuses on the issues involved in bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, the clinical and economical importance of these infections, as well as the recent strategies against biofilms.