CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF BIOFILM FORMATION IN BACTERIA
Bacterial biofilms are communities of microorganisms residing within a polysaccharide matrix. It is well accepted that biofilms play an important role in bacterial persistence and antibiotic resistance in chronic infections. It is acknowledged that the majority of microbial cells on earth are living in distinct communities as biofilms. In fact, it is now know that 99 % of all bacteria exist in the planktonic state. It has been estimated that 65 % of bacterial infections are associated with biofilms that represent the microbial multicellular lifestyle and are defined as an organized community of bacteria. The structural nature of biofilms can protect the cells against antimicrobial agents and human immune defense factors. The microbial community inside the biofilm can also be protected against adverse conditions such as desiccation, osmotic shock, UV radiation, or exposure to toxic compounds, or saprophytic predators. Due to the heterogeneous nature of biofilms, multiple mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are likely to occur.