The application of biofilm science to the study and control of chronic bacterial infections.
Unequivocal direct observations have established that the bacteria that cause device-related and other chronic infections grow in matrix-enclosed biofilms. The diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that have served us so well in the partial eradication of acute epidemic bacterial diseases have not yielded accurate data or favorable outcomes when applied to these biofilm diseases. We discuss the potential benefits of the application of the new methods and concepts developed by biofilm science and engineering to the clinical management of infectious diseases.
Costerton
William
W
Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717-3980, USA. bill_c@erc.montana.edu
Veeh
Richard
R
Shirtliff
Mark
M
Pasmore
Mark
M
Post
Christopher
C
Ehrlich
Garth
G
D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D018441:Biofilms; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy