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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Donald E. Saye, DPM, Orthopaedics, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 711 Encino Place, NE, Bldg F, Albuquerque, NM 87102, 505-842-1291, donsaye@qwest.net

A biofilm colony is a complex structured interdependent community of a single species or a mixture of species of bacteria and/or fungi and may be different strains of the same species of microorganisms enclosed in a self-produced polymeric matrix known as a biofilm. Biofilms are commonly produced by microorganisms and adhere to environmental surfaces, medical devices and necrotic and living tissues that have sufficient moisture and nutrients to maintain their survival. Most,if not all, microorganisms commonly produce biofilms. Bacteria in a biofilm resist conventional methods of culturing and antimicrobials by interacting with each other and coordinating their activities in a cooperative effort much like a community effort. Bacteria within the biofilm have a much higher minimum bactericidal concentration than the same strain of bacteria outside the biofilm. Thus, clinically safe levels of antibiotics are not usually effective in eliminating bacteria in the biofilm. The cause for the resistance to treatment and conventional methods for culturing is unclear, but is multifactorial and varies with the organisms and the strain of the organisms in the biofilm. The biofilm is constantly changing and bacteria within may be removed by trauma or for various other reasons bacteria may separate from the biofilm. This may result in recurring local or systemic infectious disease. The treatment of biofilm-related infections is complex and beyond the scope of this abstract. In addition, definitive treatment for biofilm infections, for the most part, remains in the sphere of research studies that have yet to reach clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:

• The attendee will understand one reason why some infections recur despite adequate antibiotic treatment and why some wound fail to heal.

Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation