title: Intrigues of biofilm: A perspective in veterinary medicine.
abstract: Biofilm has a tremendous impact in the field of veterinary medicine, especially the livestock industry, leading to a serious economic loss. Over the years, little attention has been given to biofilm in animals with most of the research geared toward human biofilm diseases. The greatest challenge posed by biofilm is in its incredible ability to resist most of the currently existing antibiotics. This mystery can best be demystified through understanding the mechanism of the quorum sensing which regulate the pathophysiology of biofilm. Ability of biofilm formation in a variety of inanimate surfaces such as animal food contact surfaces is responsible for a host of biofilm diseases affecting animals and humans. In this review, we highlighted some of the challenges of biofilm in livestock and food industries. Also highlighted are; mechanisms of biofilm development, best diagnostic approach and possible novel therapeutic measures needed to combat the menace of biofilm in veterinary medicine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Postgraduate, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Umar Faruk
authors.initials: UF
authors.lastname: Abdullahi
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ephraim
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Igwenagu
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Anas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mu'azu
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Sani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aliyu
authors.affiliation: Department of Postgraduate, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Maryam Ibrahim
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Umar
keywords: antibiotic resistance; biofilm; contact surfaces; quorum sensing; veterinary medicine