Microbial biofilms and their role in acute and chronic pathogenesis

Abstract

The context of microorganism living within the commune rather than merely as autonomous individual is one of the quickly gaining acceptances. These communities of the organism residing within the extracellular polymeric substance matrix are termed biofilms. A biofilm is an assembly of microbial cells that is irretrievably linked with a surface and covered primarily in a matrix of polysaccharide material. The ability to figure biofilms is a universal attribute of all microorganisms including bacteria. Biofilms may impact human health both positively and negatively. With the tendency to grow anywhere on abiotic as well as biotic surfaces, these act as a potent source of various infections. The rising burden of several diseases caused by microbial infections implies an immense menace to global health. Biofilm formation has been confirmed in numerous pathogens and is evidently mentioned as an important strategy for microbial survival. This chapter provides an overview on biofilms, their structure and formation, and their impact on human health. The current chapter also entails light on the involvement of biofilms in pulmonary infections and existing strategies employed for the treatment. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.