The Bacterial Biofilms: Formation, Impacts, and Possible Management Targets in the Healthcare System
Eric O. Omwenga, Silas Onyango Awuor
Abstract
Introduction: The persistent increase in multidrug‐resistant pathogens has catalyzed the creation of novel strategies to address antivirulence and anti‐infective elements. Such methodologies aim to diminish the selective pressure exerted on bacterial populations, decreasing the likelihood of resistance emergence. This review explores the role of biofilm formation as a significant virulence factor and its impact on the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Case Presentation: The ability of bacteria to form a superstructure—biofilm—has made resistance cases in the microbial world a big concern to public health and other sectors as it is a crucial virulence factor that causes difficulties in the management of infections, hence enhancing chronic infection occurrence. Biofilm formation dates to about 3.4 billion years when prokaryotes were discovered to be forming them and since then due to evolution and growth in science, they are more understood. Management and Outcome: The unique microenvironments within bacterial biofilms diminish antibiotic effectiveness and help bacteria evade the host immune system. Biofilm production is a widespread capability among diverse bacterial species. Biofilm formation is enhanced by quorum sensing (QS), reduction of nutrients, or harsh environments for the bacteria. Conclusion: The rise of severe, treatment‐resistant biofilm infections poses major challenges in medicine and agriculture, yet much about how these biofilms form remains unknown.