About this Research Topic
In healthcare settings, biofilms are particularly significant as they are strongly linked to healthcare-associated infections. Indwelling medical devices, such as central venous catheters, urinary catheters, and intravascular devices, are often colonized by biofilms, leading to indwelling device-associated infections. These infections pose substantial challenges to patient well-being, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and escalated healthcare costs. This problem is exacerbated by the proven ability of biofilms to survive high-level disinfection and sterilization processes. Therefore, developing a better understanding of microbial biofilm formation and structure is of paramount importance in order to be able to control biofilms in healthcare settings.
This research topic aims to discuss various aspects related to biofilm-associated infections, with a particular focus on indwelling device-associated infections. The proposed studies will encompass original research, mini-reviews, and reviews that address the following areas:
• biofilm formation on device surfaces as a key mechanism for microbial colonization and the development of infections
• design of antimicrobial coatings and technologies that can effectively reduce colonization and dissemination of biofilms on biomaterials
• application and validation of novel and advanced diagnostic tools for the identification of biofilm-associated infections, which can be readily incorporated into routine clinical testing
• investigation of the role of biofilms in infection pathogenesis and the clinical relevance of microbial functions and interactions within biofilms
• development of new surface designs and materials with antimicrobial properties, including antibiofilm, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral capabilities
• innovative approaches for the prevention and management of indwelling device-associated infections
• mechanisms, physiology, evolution, and relationship of persister, viable but nonculturable (VBNC), and tolerant cells to biofilms
• biofilm-related infections in various contexts, such as oral infections, urinary tract infections, wounds, and more.
Keywords: Biofilms, Biofilm related infections, persister bacteria, viable but non-culturable bacteria (VBNC), resistance to antimicrobials, Indwelling device-associated infections
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.