Tolerance and resistance of microbial biofilms

Chronic infections caused by microbial biofilms represent an important clinical challenge. The recalcitrance of microbial biofilms to antimicrobials and to the immune system is a major cause of persistence and clinical recurrence of these infections. In this Review, we present the extent of the clinical problem, and the mechanisms underlying the tolerance of biofilms to antibiotics and to host responses. We also explore the role of biofilms in the development of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Chronic infections caused by microbial biofilms represent an important clinical challenge owing to the recalcitrance of microbial biofilms to antimicrobials and the immune system, causing persistence and clinical recurrence of these infections. In this Review, Ciofu and colleagues discuss our current understanding of the mechanisms of tolerance of such biofilms to the immune system as well as of tolerance and resistance to antimicrobials.

Automated summary

Chronic infections caused by microbial biofilms pose a significant clinical challenge due to the resistance of biofilms to antimicrobials and the immune system, leading to persistent and recurrent infections. This Review discusses the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the tolerance of biofilms to the immune system and to antimicrobials, as well as their role in the development of antimicrobial resistance.