Center for Biofilm Engineering
Abstract:
"Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria in Biofilms"
01-023 Bacteria that adhere to implanted medical devices or damaged
tissue can encase themselves in a hydrated matrix of polysaccharide and protein,
and form a slimy layer known as a biofilm. Antibiotic resistance of
bacteria in the biofilm mode of growth contributes to the chronicity of
infections such as those associated with implanted medical devices. The
mechanisms of resistance in biofilms are different from the now familiar
plasmids, transposons, and mutations that confer innate resistance to individual
bacterial cells. In biofilms, resistance seems to depend on multicellular
strategies. We summarize the features of biofilm infections, review
emerging mechanisms of resistance, and discuss potential therapies.
Stewart, P.S. and J.W. Costerton "Antibiotic Resistance
of Bacteria in Biofilms," The Lancet 358:135-138 (2001).
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