Prevention of biofilm infections

Abstract

Biofilms are well-organized, complex microbial communities that are often highly resistant to antimicrobial agents and host defenses. Biofilms are often formed on the surfaces of surgical implants and indwelling catheters. Being extremely resistant to removal, biofilms, once formed, cause numerous complications and often result in persistent infections that require long-term hospitalization for treatment. Until now, preventive measures employing prophylactic antimicrobials that prohibit or restrict biofilm formation have been the only feasible, effective options available, with the constant concomitant threat of antimicrobial resistance. However, the development of chemical agents that specifically act upon the virulence of biofilms, rather than destroying the microorganisms or suppressing their growth, is a promising new approach. Such agents are highly desirable in that they might allow clinicians to prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance. Effective suppression of biofilm formation would dramatically change the way to treat infectious disease. In this literature review, the types of infections associated with biofilms and relevant therapeutic options that have been approved, in use, or under development to treat biofilm infections are discussed, along with novel approaches to biofilm control that may be applicable to the development of future anti-biofilm agents.