Bacterial biofilms and antimicrobial resistance: a global threat

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms are complex bacterial communities that adhere to living and non-living surfaces and are enclosed in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilms are a common survival tactic bacteria use, providing them with a strong defence against various threats. They are responsible for many persistent and recurring infections that exhibit antibiotic resistance, often related to medical devices and affecting various parts of the host tissue. While the significance of biofilms in chronic infections is recognised, their role in antibiotic resistance is often overlooked in the clinical management of bacterial infections. This article explores the role of bacterial biofilms in the emergence and persistence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a significant global health issue. Biofilms play a key role in AMR, with bacteria residing in biofilms exhibiting up to 1,000 times more antibiotic resistance than comparable bacteria in a planktonic state. Consequently, the relationship between AMR and biofilms poses a significant threat to the development of chronic infections. The World Health Organisation has recognised AMR as one of humanity’s top ten global public health concerns, with projections indicating that it will lead to over ten million deaths by 2050. To combat this global issue, there is an urgent need for new antimicrobial approaches to disrupt biofilms, enhance the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents, and reduce the likelihood of antibiotic-resistant genes being transferred within the biofilm. Raising awareness of the role of biofilms in fostering antibiotic resistance among healthcare professionals and related industries is critical to addressing this issue.