Abstract
Unequivocal direct observations have established that the bacteria that cause device-related and other chronic infections grow in matrix-enclosed biofilms. The diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that have served us so well in the partial eradication of acute epidemic bacterial diseases have not yielded accurate data or favorable outcomes when applied to these biofilm diseases. We discuss the potential benefits of the application of the new methods and concepts developed by biofilm science and engineering to the clinical management of infectious diseases.
MeSH terms
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Bacteria / metabolism
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Bacteria / ultrastructure
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Bacterial Infections / immunology
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Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
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Bacterial Infections / therapy
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Bacterial Physiological Phenomena*
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Biofilms*
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Chronic Disease
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Cross Infection / immunology
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Cross Infection / microbiology
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Cross Infection / therapy
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Epithelial Cells / cytology
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Epithelial Cells / immunology
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Epithelial Cells / metabolism
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Epithelial Cells / microbiology
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Equipment Contamination
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Humans
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Neutrophils / immunology
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Neutrophils / metabolism
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Prosthesis-Related Infections / immunology
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Prosthesis-Related Infections / microbiology
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Prosthesis-Related Infections / therapy