[Foreign body infections--biofilms and quorum sensing].
Biofilms are structured consortia of bacteria embedded in self-produced polymer matrix. Biofilms are resistant to antibiotics, disinfectives and phagocytosis. The persistence of foreign body infections is due to biofilms. Chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients is a biofilm. Bacteria in biofilms communicate by means of quorum sensing which activates genes for virulence factors. Biofilms can be prevented by antibiotic prophylaxis or early therapy or by quorum sensing inhibitors which make them susceptible to antibiotics and phagocytosis.
Høiby
Niels
N
Rigshospitalet, Klinisk Mikrobiologisk Afdeling, Institut for International Sundhed, Medicinsk Mikrobiologi og Immunologi, København Ø. hoiby@dadlnet.dk
Johansen
Helle Krogh
HK
Ciofu
Oana
O
Jensen
Peter Ø
PØ
Bjarnsholt
Thomas
T
Givskov
Michael
M
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity; D053038:Quorum Sensing / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents