ABSTRACT
Biofilm, a counterpart of the planktonic (free floating) form is a unique phenotype of bacterial growth in which bacteria adhere to each other, and to 360the biotic or abiotic surface. Bacterial biofilms have important implication in human health because these biofilms cause various chronic and recurrent infections in humans. National Institute of Health (NIH) has reported that more than 75% of microbial infections in human body occur due to biofilms. The bacteria within biofilms encased in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix have greatly reduced metabolic and divisional rates that confer resistance against antibiotic killing and host defense. Bacteria within biofilms are up to 1000 times more resistant to common antibiotics compared to planktonic type, which makes biofilm eradication even more challenging. The biofilm formation results in persistent infection, poor recovery, and higher cost of disease management. Bacterial biofilms are frequently found on indwelling medical implants such as prostheses, endotracheal tubes, stents and catheters that result in the replacement of medical implant or a second surgery, thus increasing cost and recovery time. In this chapter, we present an overview of bacterial biofilm formation on human tissue and medical devices, and their impact on human health.
