ABSTRACT
Microorganisms produce extracellular polymeric substance and colonise within; thus biofilm formation occurs. Nosocomial infections are generally caused by bacterial biofilm, which is pathogenic in nature. Microbial biofilm formation on human tissue causes severe harm to human bodies. Sometimes, biofilm formation occurs on medical devices, and serious illness can result. National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported that 80% and 65% of total microbial and chronic infections, respectively, are because of biofilm formation. However, prevention and treatment of established biofilms with antimicrobial agents are critical, because the organisms are protected within a microenvironment. Biofilm exhibits both specific and nonspecific antimicrobial tolerance. Biofilm formation acts as a barrier that resists the human immune system. Thus, antimicrobial resistance property of biofilms is a major hurdle to treat both infected and nonhealing chronic wounds. This chapter will provide an overview on the mechanism behind biofilm formation and its impact in the medical field. Management of biofilm formation will also be discussed, along with how the biofilm formation resists antibiotics and the human immune system.
