The Role of Bacterial Biofilms in Chronic Infectious Processes and the Search for Methods to Combat Them

Biofilms of pathogenic bacteria in the body of an infected host are complex structures often formed by microorganisms of different species. They are resistant to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, host immune systems, and adverse environmental conditions; exhibit increased survival; and are responsible for most known chronic infections that cannot be treated with antibiotics. This situation has required an increased search for alternative ways to combat biofilm infections. This review examines the most promising developments aimed at destroying bacterial biofilms that cause chronic diseases.