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Review
. 2022 Oct;20(10):621-635.
doi: 10.1038/s41579-022-00682-4. Epub 2022 Feb 3.

Tolerance and resistance of microbial biofilms

Oana Ciofu  1 , Claus Moser  2   3 , Peter Østrup Jensen  2   3 , Niels Høiby  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Tolerance and resistance of microbial biofilms

Oana Ciofu et al. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Chronic infections caused by microbial biofilms represent an important clinical challenge. The recalcitrance of microbial biofilms to antimicrobials and to the immune system is a major cause of persistence and clinical recurrence of these infections. In this Review, we present the extent of the clinical problem, and the mechanisms underlying the tolerance of biofilms to antibiotics and to host responses. We also explore the role of biofilms in the development of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.

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