Publication details
Biofilmy a jejich význam v lékařské mikrobiologii
| Title in English | Biofilms and their importance for medical microbiology |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2002 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Epidemiologie, mikrobiologie, imunologie. |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Microbiology, virology |
| Keywords | biofilm - planktonic growth - extracellular matrix - adherence to surfaces - quorum-sensing - resistance to antibiotics - chronic infections - persistent infections - plastic devices |
| Description | Microorganisms are able to adhere to various surfaces and to form there a three-dimensional structure known as biofilm. In biofilms, microbial cells show characteristics and behaviours different from those of plankton cells. Intercellular signalisations of the quorum-sensing type regulate interactions between members of the biofilm. Bacteria embedded in the biofilm can escape and form planktonic forms again. Bacteria adhere also to medically important surfaces such as catheters, either urinary or intravenous ones, artificial heart valves, ortrhopedic implants and so on and contribute to device-related infections like cystitis, catheter-related sepsis, endocarditis etc. Once a biofilm has been established on a surface, the bacteria harboured inside are less exposed to the host's immune response and less susceptible to antibiotics. |
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