Publication: Role of Biofilm in Bacterial Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Biofilm refers to the complex, sessile communities of microbes found either attached to a surface or buried firmly in an extracellular matrix as aggregates. Microbial flora which produces biofilm manifests an altered growth rate and transcribes genes that provide them resistance to antimicrobial and host immune systems. Biofilms protect the invading bacteria against the immune system of the host via impaired activation of phagocytes and the complement system. Biofilm-producing isolates showed greater multidrug resistance than non-biofilm producers. Biofilm causes antibiotic resistance through processes like chromosomally encoded resistant genes, restriction of antibiotics, reduction of growth rate, and host immunity. Biofilm formation is responsible for the development of superbugs like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and metallo-beta-lactamase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Regular monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and maintaining hygiene, especially in hospitalized patients are required to control biofilm-related infections in order to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
Description
Khilasa Pokharel
Department of Microbiology, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal, Kathmandu
Bishwa Raj Dawadi
Department of Emergency Medicine, Grande International Hospital, Dhapasi, Kathmandu, Nepal
Lok Bahadur Shrestha
School of Medical Sciences and The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Keywords
Antibiotic resistance, Bacterial infections, Biofilm, MRSA