Bacterial biofilms: a common cause of persistent infections.

@article{Costerton1999BacterialBA,
  title={Bacterial biofilms: a common cause of persistent infections.},
  author={J. William Costerton and Philip S Stewart and E. Peter Greenberg},
  journal={Science},
  year={1999},
  volume={284 5418},
  pages={
          1318-22
        }
}
Bacteria that attach to surfaces aggregate in a hydrated polymeric matrix of their own synthesis to form biofilms. Formation of these sessile communities and their inherent resistance to antimicrobial agents are at the root of many persistent and chronic bacterial infections. Studies of biofilms have revealed differentiated, structured groups of cells with community properties. Recent advances in our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of bacterial community behavior point to… 
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10,695 Citations

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  • Medicine, Biology
    The Brazilian journal of infectious diseases : an official publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases
  • 2008
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The present review will focus on the mechanisms that lead to biofilm formation on surfaces and highlight several medically important pathogens.
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The role that biofilms play in human disease is described and a new millennial view of these complex and fascinating bacterial communities is outlined.
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Four areas of current biofilm research are overview of: biofilm resistance to antimicrobials and host defense mechanisms, the complexity of biofilm structure, the possible existence of a biofilm phenotype, and the ramifications of cell cell communication within the biofilm.
Bacterial Biofilm and its Clinical Implications
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Bacteria with increased hydrophobicity facilitate biofilm formation by reducing repulsion between the extracellular matrix and the bacterium.
...
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