title: [Bacterial biofilms in infectious diseases].
abstract: Biofilm refers to an organized structure formed by microbes and attached either to an organic or a nonliving surface. The efficacy of conventional antimicrobial drugs against bacteria residing within the biofilm is poor, although planctonic bacteria would be susceptible to them. The biofilm format may also protect bacteria from the immune system. Typical biofilm infections include dental caries and foreign body infections. In the future, treatment of biofilm infections may in addition to antimicrobial therapy utilize drugs that weaken the signaling between bacteria and decrease the ability to form biofilm.
authors.affiliation: Oulun yliopiston lastentautien klinikka, PL 5000, 90014 Oulun yliopisto.
authors.forename: Terhi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tapiainen
authors.forename: Jarmo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Salo
authors.forename: Matti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Uhari
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans