Biofilms as a form of existence of the pathogens of healthcare-associated infections: Epidemiological aspects of the problem
The present article discusses the necessity of updating the problem of improving the microbiological monitoring of pathogens of healthcare-associated infections (HAI). The ability of the most common HAI pathogens to form biofilms increases the stress tolerance of microorganisms within them, which in turn ensures their survival in the hospital environment and pathogen persistence there. Due attention should be given to assessing the degree of intensity and parameters of biofilm formation by HAI pathogens and to the role of biofilm-forming bacteria in the epidemic process of this group of infections. The paper accentuates the necessity of introducing new perspective approaches and methods in the study and assessment of the significance of the properties of biofilm formation in different microorganisms, which will improve the epidemiological surveillance system for HAIs.