Biofilms in cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes infection in the lungs. The lung infection is cause by a buildup of bacterial biofilms. This results in blockage of the airways of the patients. A bacterial biofilm has a unique ability called horizontal gene transfer that increases the antibiotic resistances; this is a problem for many antibiotics and current treatments. Biofilms in cystic fibrosis patients are becoming categorized as polymicrobial; this means the biofilm contains more than one type of microorganism. One specific organism P. aeruginosa has been linked to increased antibiotic resistance. New technology was developed to help advance our knowledge of biofilm development. Research has been done to show the effectiveness of specific antibiotics and the effect certain microorganisms have on biofilm growth. Continuous use of antibiotics could result in organisms developing resistance.