A review of bacterial biofilms and their role in device-associated infection

Background Most of the world's bacteria live in biofilms, three-dimensional clusters attached to surfaces. Many hospital-acquired infections are associated with biofilm infections of implantable medical devices such as orthopaedic prostheses and intravascular catheters. Within biofilms, bacteria are significantly less susceptible to antibiotics and host defences, making biofilm infections difficult to diagnose and treat, and often necessitating removal of the infected implant. Method In this review article we describe the process of biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and biofilm infection of the healthcare environment, surgical instruments and implantable medical devices. Conclusion The inability to treat biofilm-infected devices means that therapies targeting biofilm-specific processes and targeting prevention of biofilm formation are required.