Antimicrobial resistance of biofilms in medical devices

Abstract

Biofilm formation is a strategy by which microorganisms survive and adapt to the involving environment, particularly adverse conditions. The development of a biofilm includes attachment of cells to a surface, multiplication, maturation, and production of a polymeric matrix, and finally microbial detachment and colonization of new surfaces. The heterogeneity of biofilms results in increased tolerance to antimicrobials due to the inherent physical and chemical barriers. In addition, the microorganisms can be intrinsically resistant to the antimicrobials or they can acquire resistance determinants. This acquisition of resistance has a huge impact in healthcare settings due to contamination of indwelling medical devices and the consequent spread of infections associated with these devices. The treatment of a biofilm in the medical device is extremely difficult due to its reduced antimicrobial susceptibility. Therefore, new strategies are required to control biofilm formation in medical devices.