Biofilms on medical devices

Abstract

Biofilm consists of microorganisms with altered phenotypes living in a self-organized, cooperative community attached to surfaces and each other and embedded in a self-produced matrix of exopolymer saccharides. Biofilms are relevant for home care and hospice clinicians because they are related to the majority of infectious diseases. Colonization of medical devices plays a key role in the problem of healthcare-associated infections. This article aims to provide an overview of the science of biofilms. Understanding biofilms and the risks associated with them is the first step toward prevention of biofilm formation and the potentially serious outcomes of infections.