Biofilm in Medical Area

Biofilm is a community of microorganisms formed by microorganisms and extracellular substances. Recognition of biofilm in medical science field has short history compared with that in environmental field and dental field. In the case of medicine, biofilms are mostly involved with bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi such as Candida species. Biofilm formation is involved in many chronic infectious diseases and medical device associated infections, those are refractory and poor efficacy with antibiotic treatment. Finally it is often necessary to treat surgically or remove artificial devices. In the case of infectious diseases in which biofilm formation is predicted, it is also important to conduct strong antimicrobial treatment from the acute phase. We should also pay attention to avoid infections in case of insertion of artificial devices. It is partially recognized that erythromycin prevents biofilm formation. We hope that research to prevent biofilm formation will advance in future.