Microorganisms in wound biofilms

Microorganisms in wound biofilms represent a complex, multi-species community of bacteria and fungi embedded within a self-secreted matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) [StatPearls: Biofilm-Associated Wound Infections]. These biofilms are predominantly found in chronic, non-healing wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure sores, where they act as a significant barrier to healing by inducing a state of chronic inflammation [NIH: Biofilms in Chronic Wounds]. The biofilm structure protects the constituent microbes from the host immune response and increases their tolerance to systemic and topical antibiotics by up to 1,000-fold compared to planktonic cells [PubMed: PMC4528302]. This resistance is mediated by the physical barrier of the EPS, the presence of metabolically inactive persister cells, and the exchange of resistance genes within the community [Nature Reviews Microbiology: Biofilms as complex communities]. Common species involved include Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which often exhibit synergistic interactions that exacerbate tissue damage [Journal of Wound Care: Biofilm management]. Effective management typically requires a biofilm-based wound care approach, combining frequent physical debridement with specialized topical antimicrobials and anti-biofilm agents to disrupt the matrix [PubMed: PMC7150085].

Other names

Wound biofilmBiofilm-associated microorganismsChronic wound microbiotaPolymicrobial wound biofilmSessile wound pathogens

Drugs targeting wound biofilms work through various mechanisms including physical disruption of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, inhibition of microbial protein or cell wall synthesis, induction of oxidative stress, and interference with quorum sensing pathways to prevent biofilm maturation and promote dispersal [StatPearls: Biofilm-Associated Wound Infections; PubMed: PMC4528302].