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Review
. 2015 Apr;86(2):147-58.
doi: 10.3109/17453674.2014.966290. Epub 2014 Sep 19.

The role of microbial biofilms in prosthetic joint infections

Herbert O Gbejuade  1 , Andrew M Lovering, Jason C Webb
Affiliations
Review

The role of microbial biofilms in prosthetic joint infections

Herbert O Gbejuade et al. Acta Orthop. 2015 Apr.

Abstract

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) still remains a significant problem. In line with the forecasted rise in joint replacement procedures, the number of cases of PJI is also anticipated to rise. The formation of biofilm by causative pathogens is central to the occurrence and the recalcitrance of PJI. The subject of microbial biofilms is receiving increasing attention, probably as a result of the wide acknowledgement of the ubiquity of biofilms in the natural, industrial, and clinical contexts, as well as the notorious difficulty in eradicating them. In this review, we discuss the pertinent issues surrounding PJI and the challenges posed by biofilms regarding diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we discuss novel strategies of prevention and treatment of biofilm-related PJI.

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Figures

None
Scanning electron micrograph of biofilms on PMMA cement.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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