Bacterial biofilms and human disease

Author: Wilson, Michael

Source: Science Progress, Volume 84, Number 3, August 2001 , pp. 235-254(20)

Publisher: Science Reviews 2000 Ltd

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Abstract:

The term biofilm is used to denote a polymer-encased community of microbes which accumulates at a surface. Biofilms are responsible for a number of diseases of man and, because of the intrinsic resistance of these structures to antibiotics and host defence systems, such diseases are very difficult to treat effectively. The application of new microscopic and molecular techniques to biofilms has revolutionised our understanding of their structure, composition, organisation and activities. This review will describe the role that biofilms play in human disease and will outline our new millennial view of these complex and fascinating bacterial communities.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3184/003685001783238998

Affiliations: 1: Department of Microbiology, Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, 256 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD, UK

Publication date: 2001-08-15

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