Biofilms and device-associated infections.
Microorganisms commonly attach to living and nonliving surfaces, including those of indwelling medical devices, and form biofilms made up of extracellular polymers. In this state, microorganisms are highly resistant to antimicrobial treatment and are tenaciously bound to the surface. To better understand and control biofilms on indwelling medical devices, researchers should develop reliable sampling and measurement techniques, investigate the role of biofilms in antimicrobial drug resistance, and establish the link between biofilm contamination and patient infection.
Donlan
R M
RM
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. rld8@cdc.gov
D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D014546:Urinary Catheterization