Bacterial biofilm on catheter surface

Bacterial biofilm formation on catheter surfaces is a complex, multistep process by which bacteria adhere, proliferate, and secrete an extracellular matrix that encases them on the surface of medical devices such as urinary or intravenous catheters. This biofilm provides significant survival advantages to bacteria, including protection from host immune responses and antibiotics, facilitating persistent and recurrent device-associated infections. Common bacteria involved include *Escherichia coli*, *Staphylococcus epidermidis*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Klebsiella pneumoniae*, *Enterococcus faecalis*, and *Proteus mirabilis*. Biofilm-associated infections are clinically important due to their resistance to standard therapies and their contribution to device failure and morbidity.

Other names

Bacterial catheter biofilmCatheter-associated biofilmCatheter biofilm

Disruption of bacterial cell wall synthesis (for antibiotics); Interference with biofilm structural integrity (by novel coatings, antimicrobials)