J Rhinol.  2005 May;12(1):5-9.

Biofilm

• Chung SK

Abstract

We face difficulties in treating persistent infections with the knowledge on the bacteria growing on in their free-floating planktonic form as in the laboratory. It is estimated that 99% of all bacteria exist in biofilms, community of bacterial cells, and 65% of all human bacterial infections involve biofilm, especially chronic infections. Bacterial biofilms are difficult to detect in routine diagnostics and inherently tolerant to host defenses and antibiotic therapies. Strategies directed against biofilms will become increasingly important in treating infections.

Keyword

Biofilm; Drug resistance; Infection

MeSH Terms

Bacteria
Bacterial Infections
Biofilms*
Drug Resistance
Humans
Plankton