Related aspects of microbial resistance in biofilm forming bacteria

Background: Many biofilm forming organisms demonstrate resistance to different antibiotic classes through various methods. Genes located on chromosomes, plasmids or transposons encode specific resistance to a variety of drugs. The understanding of how microorganisms resist to antibiotics seems to be necessary. Methods: Studying of large number literatures in this field, indicate some resistance mechanisms in bacteria which are important in terms of clinical. Results: Of the most important biofilm forming bacteria it can be referred to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The mechanisms of resistance in biofilms are different from the now familiar plasmids, transposons, and mutations that confer innate resistance to individual bacterial cells. The genetic and biochemical details of these biofilm defenses are only now beginning to emerge. Each gene and gene product contributing to this resistance may be a target for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents. Antibiotic-resistant phenotypic variants of P. aeruginosa with enhanced ability to form biofilms arise at high frequency both in vitroand in the lungs of CF patients. Conclusion: A biofilm is a structured consortium of bacteria embedded in a self-produced polymer matrix consisting of polysaccharide, protein and DNA. Antibiotic resistance of bacteria in the biofilm mode of growth contributes to the chronicity of infections such as those associated with implanted medical devices. Biofilms can be prevented by early aggressive antibiotic prophylaxis or therapy and they can be treated by chronic suppressive therapy

Keywords:

Antibiotic resistance , Biofilm , Mobile genetic elements