Pseudomonas biofilms, cystic fibrosis, and phage: a silver lining?

Abstract

In contrast to usual laboratory conditions, most bacteria in the human body grow in biofilms. Encased in a structured matrix, many pathogens display heightened resistance to antibiotics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients represent a prime example of the clinical challenges that antibiotic resistance in biofilms can represent. In the March 6, 2012 issue of mBio, Colin Hill and his colleagues report on experiments that add to the evidence that Pseudomonas phages are a potential treatment option for these infections.