Biofilm Inhibition: Antibiotics, Genes, and pH

Abstract

The effects of biofilms in the health world can be detrimental. Biofilms allow bacteria to resist antibiotics by providing a “slippery” outer layer, thereby inhibiting phagocytosis. One organism in particular that is protected by biofilms is Staphylococcus. This bacterium is antibiotic resistant because of the biofilm. Due to this feature, Staphylococcus is hard to treat and can eventually lead to death. The importance of understanding the bacteria’s biofilm will open new possibilities for the creation of biofilm inhibition drugs. The presence of Staphylococcus in society has increased dramatically over the years because many of the current antibiotics no longer inhibit them. In other words, these bacteria have mutated and the rate of infection is high. This is especially true in hospital settings where numerous patients are recovering from an illness or surgery and their immune systems are compromised. Many have observed the growing concern over the inability to stop the rapid influx of staphylococcus cases. In response to this concern numerous studies are being conducted to analyze the bacteria’s biofilm in order to understand what allows for inhibition. Although new medications have become available, they are not coming fast enough to keep up with mutating strains.