Pathogenic wound bacteria and biofilms

Pathogenic wound bacteria and their biofilms represent a complex microbial environment that significantly impedes the healing process of chronic and acute wounds. These communities are typically polymicrobial, frequently involving species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and various anaerobes, which reside within a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix [1][2]. This matrix acts as a physical and chemical barrier, shielding the bacteria from host immune responses and increasing their tolerance to systemic and topical antimicrobial agents by up to 1,000-fold [3][4]. Biofilms promote a state of persistent inflammation by stimulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteases, such as matrix metalloproteinases, which degrade the extracellular matrix and prevent re-epithelialization [5]. Therapeutic interventions target these biofilms through mechanical debridement, the use of antibiofilm agents like DNase or dispersin B to degrade the EPS, and the application of broad-spectrum antiseptics and antibiotics [6]. Effective management of these microbial structures is essential for transitioning a wound from a chronic, non-healing state to an active healing trajectory [7]. Sources: [1] James, G. A., et al. (2008). "Biofilms in chronic wounds." Wound Repair and Regeneration. [2] Percival, S. L., et al. (2015). "Bacterial biofilms in wounds." Biofilm-based Healthcare-associated Infections. [3] Costerton, J. W., et al. (1999). "Bacterial biofilms: a common cause of persistent infections." Science. [4] Flemming, H. C., & Wingender, J. (2010). "The biofilm matrix." Nature Reviews Microbiology. [5] Zhao, G., et al. (2013). "Effect of chronic wound biofilms on epithelialization and wound healing." Wound Repair and Regeneration. [6] Hoiby, N., et al. (2015). "Antibiotic resistance of bacterial biofilms." International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. [7] Wolcott, R. D., et al. (2010). "Biofilm maturity studies indicate upper bound for wound debridement intervals." Journal of Wound Care.

Other names

Wound biofilmsChronic wound microbiotaPolymicrobial wound infectionsBiofilm-associated wound pathogensWound-associated microbial communities

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or DNA replication; physical and enzymatic disruption of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix; inhibition of quorum sensing signaling pathways; induction of oxidative stress and membrane damage via antiseptic agents.